@Chloe #24614
It may not be black and white, but it is unfortunately very 1-dimensional here. Two parties, two distinct sets of ideals, and you have to serve in lockstep to all of them to be a member of that party. Those who step outside the bounds of their party have a difficult time getting elected, so you really only see that with long timers who aren’t getting voted out any time soon, and most of the old timers are the most firmly entrenched in the party’s position.
And call him maverick all you wanted, but when it came to the Presidential run, even McCain fell down completely in line with Republicans, and didn’t deviate again until after the election. Frankly, as difficult as it appears to be to describe the position of one party in Timjer’s nation, I’d prefer 12+ parties and more dimension to politics. It gives more room for real rogues to act even within their party, to follow their conscience, and their constituency, rather than having to sacrifice their people for the party.