While I agree that Romney might have been able to pull off more compromises, I don't think that faith in government is more important than reasonable policies, which Romney really didn't have any of. I would go so far as to say that it's far preferable to have a government that accomplishes nothing than one that changes things in a negative direction, e.g. cutting health care, obfuscation of budget plans, necessary tax hikes falling on the poor and middle class instead of the rich, etc. In fact, given current Republican willingness to put this country on the line for corporations and the upper class, I would be happy to see a presidential term with no negative change. The positive change can happen once the Tea Party representatives are gone; for now, just hold the line.