It's a shame.
"It's a shame."
I'm not big on conspiracies, but I think one is going on here. I believe the 2 parties need each other. Without corrupt parties with somewhat equal power, an alternative may arise. Possibly even an honest alternative.
I don't think either party wants to render the other party non-viable. So, they do just enough to gain an advantage, and then ease up, or do things that are counter intuitive simply to give the other guys a chance.
I really believe this.