The battle between the two parties is a fight between basic instinct and real life. The public fears the worst about big government but wants the best it can get from it. This accounts for the hostility to big government that travels side by side with the strong attachment to socialism for seniors, also known as Medicare.

Americans get queasy when they think about big government. But once they get to see, touch and feel specific programs, their stomachs settle — and they develop a voracious appetite for programs. The 2010 Affordable Care Act dubbed “Obamacare” became law after a long and vicious struggle. But the Affordable Care Act has become popular despite relentless and fruitless GOP attempts to kill the lifesaving law.

When it comes to the role of the U.S. government, Americans are afraid of jumping into the water but are glad they did after the find the dip in the ocean cool and refreshing. So much so that they never want to get out.