"So I'm just waiting until one party or the other actually gets a moral compass and a backbone"

John Perry Barlow's quote suggests that he is dissatisfied with the present state of politics. He thinks that neither party has an ethical compass or backbone, which is necessary for making decisions that are in the very best interest of the people. He is waiting for one of the celebrations to take a stand and show a dedication to doing what is right. He is likely referring to the absence of leadership and guts to make hard decisions that are necessary to move the nation forward. He is most likely likewise referring to the absence of bipartisanship and compromise that is required to pass significant legislation. He is requiring a go back to a moral compass and backbone in order to produce a better future for the nation.