The question may be whether or not equality and excellence are mutually exclusive. It is probably like most things and in some cases it is and in some cases it is not. I’m still not sure I would call it an existential struggle though.
I think it will be very interesting to see where all the candidates come from for the 2028 election. Someone we have never heard of could drop in from outer space and win the election. Another Jimmy Carter could show up again.