The problem as I see it is how do we meet in the middle? Would the left for example, be willing to concede partial-birth abortion in favor of concessions from the right on drilling in Alaska? The answer is a big fat NO. The right would not be willing to sell out the Southern Baptist Convention for concessions on healthcare, either.
So, yes, we need compromise, but don't look for it on the big issues, because it's unrealistic at best. Sadly, I agree that we're on CASCADE failure in this country both economically and politically. There are too many people who believe more government interference and shared destitution are the answer. We'll be almost 100% socialist by the time I retire in 30 years.