The rise of polarized politics in Washington is a direct result of profound changes that have taken place in American society and culture over several decades. …
Contrary to the views of those who see polarization as almost entirely an elite phenomenon, the deep divide between the parties in Washington and in many state capitols is largely due to the fact that Democratic and Republican elected officials represent electoral coalitions that differ sharply in their social characteristics and political orientations. The roots of polarization are in our changing society—and above all the growing racial and ethnic diversity of the American population. CONT.
Alan I. Abramowitz (Emory), The Monkey Cage