This op-ed was written by John Tillman and featured in U.S. News and World Report on November 6, 2014. 

Republicans are mistaken if they think Tuesday’s election results are a mandate in their favor. Conversely, Democrats are mistaken if they think this is simply a bad map combined with the six-year itch common to second-term presidents.

And while it is true the election was definitely a repudiation of the Obama agenda, this election has generational implications far beyond his presidency.

This year’s midterm election is the fourth in a series of wave elections, all reflecting the ongoing discontent among the American people. In 2006, 2008, 2010 and now 2014, voters have been looking for a proverbial club to take to those in power. They found it each time in their only real tool to impose accountability: the voting booth.

The first two waves repudiated Republican leadership and the last two rejected Democrat leadership. How can voters be so fickle; what is driving this discontent that everyone is missing?

The country is locked in tepid growth, hindered by fear and insecurity about what comes next. Since the end of the Cold War there has been no compelling sense of American destiny that creates a common purpose to transcend the normal party squabbles.

Americans are looking for something new, something real. They have said a resounding “no” to the failed, overreaching politics of progressives and conservatives alike – the time is ripe for a liberty-minded leader whose policy initiatives grow the economy and ditch cronyism.

Republicans have lost their ability to make a compelling argument for what they believe our destiny should be. What is the Republican vision for 21st century America? Meanwhile, Democrats have been rejected for what is now reality in the lives of average Americans – declining incomes, lack of jobs, higher dependency on food stamps, unemployment, disability and myriad other government programs and assistance just to make ends meet.

These wave elections reflect the American people searching, desperately wanting to find and believe in America’s destiny for greatness once again. The people have rejected both big-government conservatism and big-government progressivism. Herein lies opportunity for a freedom-loving leader. A leader who shapes a narrative around our coming greatness, now just over the horizon but soon to be here, can truly realign the political landscape for generations.

The themes for that narrative are inspiring.

First, eliminate bipartisan cronyism. Stop giving corporations and government insiders special deals at the expense of the taxpayers. Our government will once again be for all the people, not just the insiders and powerful of either party.

Second, champion greatness. Create an economy that allows entrepreneurs to succeed based on their own creativity and merit, not their ability to jump through government hoops. We will admire, cheer on and respect the ambitious, the hungry and those who achieve success in pursuing the American dream. They are our heroes to be admired, not vilified. We can’t all be heroes, of course, but it is our heroes that help us live a more inspired life every day.

Third, embrace competition. By unleashing entrepreneurial spirit and rebuilding our country’s economy, America’s example can provide a sense of stability throughout the world.

Fourth, address income inequality – but not by repeating divisive rhetoric and pulling down the people who are at the top. Instead, we will help those near the bottom rise faster. This strategy will close the gap more effectively. America succeeds when we help people rise faster.

Finally, America will once again stand, proudly, for our exceptional social compact. No matter who you are, no matter where you came from, no matter rich or poor, black, brown or white, tall or short, fat or skinny, no matter your gender, you can succeed in America if you are willing to work, achieve and share a generous kindness for your fellow citizens.

Tuesday’s election result is a repudiation of those in power. Meanwhile, the search goes on for a leader who will tap into the hunger washing over America, wave after wave.