Let's say you're generally a moderate voter. You look at the Romney-Ryan ticket and see that they are much more conservative than you. They don't believe in tax increases ever. You think tax increases have to be a part of a budget deal. They want to slash social spending to the bone. You think that would be harsh on the vulnerable and bad for social cohesion.

You look at the Obama-Biden ticket. You like them personally. But you're not sure what they want to achieve over the next four years. The country needs big changes, and they don't seem to be offering many. Where's the leadership?

In this disaffected frame of mind, you ask yourself: What really matters in this election? Well, the big issue is national decline. How can we ensure that the U.S. is as dynamic in the 21st century as it was in the 20th?

David Fuller's view David Brooks' summary may persuade a few moderates but Alexis de Tocqueville identified the trend risk for democracy in the 19th century. (See Quote of the Week, below)