I think we shifted slightly rightward as a nation after 40+ years of the New Deal and Great Society.  Unfortunately we have a binary system.  Reagan was to the the right of the electorate, but after Carter's inability and with exploitation of the social and racial issues of the times, the center gave him a mandate  to try things his way.  We're reaping the harvest right now.  The center is giving the left a shot again.  If Obama can be successful, the R's are toast for a generation.

I note Berlusconi, Merkel, Sarkozy are also in charge in Europe.  It hasn't been just us.