> The only hope we have is that the current bout of madness in Washington DC is a one time aberration

It's literally the second go-around.

Trust wasn't completely lost the first time. Because of the hope that you mentioned.

But now, unlike then, the rest of world is taking note that the USA is simply going to be like this periodically, and planning accordingly.

James David says hello.

Also the first time around, there was also a contingent of old school Republicans around him acting as a guard rail.