In America, voters should be very worried. A do-nothing Republican Congress or overly aggressive Democrats are equally unacceptable outcomes. Both are reasons for sleepless nights.

Friends and allies of the Unites States should also be worried. America is crucial to underwriting global stability. Without U.S. support and competent involvement, the global situation could conceivably get worse. Watchful observers should not be overly optimistic about the November elections, no matter which party wins the horse race.

Harlan Ullman is a columnist for The Washington Times and a senior advisor at Washington D.C.'s Center for Strategic and International Studies. His latest book, America's Promise Restored-Preventing Culture, Crusade and Partisanship from Wrecking Our Nation, was published in June.