I think it is in history that all things change. 10 million + DEMOCRAT voters this election proves nothing for both sides really. This election didnt come down to whether your a democrat or republican, it had to do with whether or not you fell for the "Barack is a socialist" scam or not. At least, what I got from my parents, who voted Mccain - they were afraid of "far left." My father usually votes Democrat but "far left" threw the decision which Im sure that was the same for many pro-mccain voters.
Depending on how well the president does, will sway whether or not the general public will follow or disperse - like Bush failing so Democrats get the votes. It doesnt mean maybe the American people wouldnt mind a Liberal outlook, it just means, ideally, situationally, this is what we need.
In my humble opinion:
Republicans breed strict conservatives or strict liberals. Democrats will breed independents and their 'game time' (election day vote) decision defines them.