Now more than ever before, the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness and corruption. If it be intelligent, brave and pure, it is because the people demand these high qualities to represent them in the national legislature ... If the next centennial does not find us a great nation...it will be because those who represent the enterprise, the culture, and the morality of the nation do not aid in controlling the political forces.
-James Garfield, 1877

Look at the date.  That pointed to the Carter error, and back then there was enough brain power to not do a second term.  Today?  Barry Soetoro - twice.  Yup.  Melissa Harris-Perry dwindling return on intelligence ever since the Reagan Presidency anomaly.