What happens with the political bases of the parties if it's Romney vs. Obama?

[cbelt3]

I think that, rather than a large core of activists, that each party has a large FRINGE of activists. The core of each party is very similar, as is the core of American voters.

I think rather we'll see a repeat of Clinton vs. Bush, when the fringes of the Republican party allowed it to self-destruct, and the core of the Democratic party kept it together.

Ed: I'll agree that both candidates will appeal to independents. For independents the candidate's party will be the main disadvantage. If the Republican Fringe keeps being as shrill and disruptive as they have been, the independents will look to Obama for calm. Of course, if the Democratic party fringe gets all cwazy, then all bets are off.