what extent they can put aside ideology in favor of ideas that work

Agree entirely. If everything is done according to party lines, they won't have much more to offer than the Repubs. I have always found a 3 party system better, having grown up in Canada. Keeps the parties more in check. Time will tell. Carter was inept and also inherited the country at a very bad time economically. Not likely anyone would have fared well in the Presidency during that era. I wouldn't consider him a "typical" example of a Democratic administration. There are things about each party that are troubling. I keep looking for the BC Marijuana Party, but they weren't on the ballot this year!