There’s a logjam in the 2016 presidential race, and it’s quite unclear as to when a true frontrunner will develop out of either party.

As of now, six Democrats are officially running for the presidency, and more than 10 Republicans have officially declared their candidacies. Each party is facing drastically different situations; Thanks to the countless individuals showing interest, Republicans are making a mockery of the presidential candidacy, while Democrats can’t find a candidate whom lies ideologically between far-left Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton. Meanwhile, highlighted by John Boehner’s recent resignation as Speaker of the House the GOP has no clear-cut identity.

So how do we best sort out this mess? It seems as if nobody really knows. But, perhaps identifying the two major candidates from each party will help. As mentioned, between Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton, the Democrats boast two drastically different candidates. Sanders has laid down a plan that leans drastically toward the left. Many praise Sanders for his ability to maintain a consistent platform, but his plans seem far-fetched at times, especially at a point in which political gridlock is gripping the nation. Inversely, Hillary Clinton has faced backlash for going back on certain political points, though her experience unquestionably makes for a convincing presidential resume.

Jumping over to the GOP, Donald Trump and Ben Carson seem to be leading the Republican Party. Both lean far-right, but each has established himself in a different manner. Trump has rallied a specific audience of Americans, utilizing what sounds like unpresidential rhetoric in order to vault himself into popularity. Carson, a neurosurgeon, has gained the trust of the GOP, using more timid tactics to establish his position within the presidential race.

As a voter, none of these options sound appealing. Whether it’s due to the extreme polarization on topics or what seems like a lack of professionalism fitting for the White House, America deserves considerably better candidates. Sanders and Clinton may have the experience, but each is unfitting for different reasons. Sanders is essentially the anti-Trump, rallying radical Democrats while focusing on issues from income inequality and student debt to social change. Unfortunately, his radicalism has turned many away from his platform. As for Clinton, a majority of Americans have deemed her to be untrustworthy. In the GOP, Trump’s language and sharp rhetoric have scared away moderate-to-liberal voters, and Carson has grounded himself on similarly conservative views.

My biggest fear for this election is that the political extremism will last far beyond these primaries. With a government shutdown looming, moderate America can only watch in frustration as Congress splits even further. America needs to search for a candidate capable of fostering a cooperative, productive environment, and that candidate unfortunately hasn’t appeared yet.

Contact Lucas Misera at [email protected].