That does seem to be the cycle. Alternating R and D presidents, and each one worse than the previous.
Yes we take one step forward and two steps back. It will result at some point in revolution. We are close now. If Hillary gets elected its going to happen very shortly.
Power the people practically begged Bush to take would not have been granted to a Clinton without a fight, but people forget that to grant power to one is to grant that same power to the other.
Everyone must critically analyze every measure in the light of what their worst enemies might do to abuse it. Until then, we lose.