It's been an interesting thing, as I get older, that I notice the same things happening over and over again regardless of party or who's in power. It's like they went to the same school or seminar to learn how to use words that say nothing or mean the opposite of what they say, while shouting down dissent with, "You're a racist, bigot, blah, blah, blah!" Or changing the subject by pointing out the foibles and past sins of someone else.
I think we are already in the Orwellian dystopia. I think someone wised up a long time ago (maybe thanks to such books and authors) that you still have to allow a fair amount of freedom, or you get revolutions. So let them have two main parties with the illusion of a major public divide, but make your backroom deals that essentially allow all important matters to head in the same direction, just with a different name tacked onto it, or at nothing more than a slower speed.
Part of the shout down we're experiencing now, though, is everyone on all sides is fed up with being silenced, and they've decided not to take it anymore. So debate has devolved into who can shout the loudest or use the most profanity or fling the most accusations, despite how old the accusations are, let alone if any have any merit. It's all about winning at all costs, not about what's right.
Unfortunately, that means many just overlook the bad things that actually did happen. The pendulum keeps swinging back and forth, but with ever increasing velocity and power.
You are so right, I've been saying for years that we live in an illusion of democracy. "So let them have two main parties with the illusion of a major public divide...". It's not the party that needs to change, but the whole goddam system! As long as there's blame, distraction and propaganda, they'll keep using it.....because it's working. Not for much longer methinks! We just have to stand together and make sure, that our voice is louder than theirs and drown out this silly nonsense!