It actually reminds me of the revelation about the past competition in the movie "Strictly Ballroom". Come to think about it, there are a lot of parallels - and our political system is very much like a dance.
Barry Fife: There are no new steps!
Barry Fife: Where do you think we'd be if everyone went around making up their own steps?
Scott: Out of a job.
Barry Fife: Well, of course, you can dance any steps you like! But that doesn't mean you'll...WIN...
Doug Hastings: We had the chance but we were scared. We walked away. WE LIVED OUR LIVES IN FEAR!
If you have not seen the movie, my apologies (but I highly recommend seeing it). If you have, you know exactly what I'm talking about. It's about the "system", to preserve the status quo, squashes anything that does not bow to their unwritten authority. And even those that eventually succumb to the pressure lose anyway. Divergence from the company line shall not be tolerated. And the "company" is the democrat/republican dance. It takes two to tango.