I wonder if this could be a Transpartisan group of party members? Transpartisan literally means “beyond party”, where one holds their own partisan beliefs at the same time seeking to understand and respect others beliefs. Occassionally, a mind is even open to changing an opinion. Transpartisan is also about seeking a paradigm shift from “either / or” thinking about solutions where we are presented with two options: the R or D choice. Bi-partisan solutions are compromises between these two choices where no one is happy. (Reference FISA) A transpartisan solution would shift our view of the “problem” in such a way that new solutions appear that we couldn't see or imagine before. I've seen this happen with individuals and experienced it in my own life. Email me offline if you want specifics. If this could happen within our political system…WOW! We'd be making progress and solving our dilemnas instead of fixating on some of the minutiae like flag pins, laughs, hair or mis-speaking beer instead of bill. (Although I found the last one funny,)

This paradigm shift in thinking may need skilled facillitation for groups in the beginning. As more and more people become skilled, it will just happen. Our country already has people who do this like Bill Ury and Mark Gerzon and organizations that host conferences like Reuniting America and Transpartisan Center. Soon there will also be a Citizens Summit for a grass-roots effort. Is anyone ready for the political transformation that could happen as a result? Or do we want to continue as we are for a while longer? The choice is ours.

Problem of a merger would be what policies do you keep. DLC is more big gov't than RLC. I just don't see it happening that and both sides are committed to their parties, can't ever seeing a third party.

What I really would like to see with or without a McCain victory is that the Libertarians and Moderate Republicans can bring back control of the party. Making it less a Social Conservative/Neo-Con Christian Party and turn into back into a Fiscal Conservative and more traditional Republican national defense mantra.

But I think Stephen Thomma is way ahead of himself in suggesting that Obama signifies less clout for the DLC. Personally, I see a lot of ideological overlap there. But I also think the DLC is seen as a part of the Clinton “brand”, and I wouldn't expect Obama to publicly align there just yet — if at all. He's shocking the far left enough already.