The Politics of Polarization - A Path Back To Power

SUMMARY

While polarization has tilted the national playing-field against Democrats, we believe the polarization of the parties has created an opportunity for a political leader — from either the center-right or the center-left — to capture the hearts and the votes of the vast legion of moderate voters who are not comfortable calling either party “home.”

Section I looks back at the Clinton legacy and how his incumbency changed voter opinions of Democrats in the broad areas of economics, national security and values.

Section II analyzes the last two presidential races and exposes four modern myths to which Democrats have fallen prey.

Section III looks to the future and identifies a phenomenon we call the great sorting out, which defines and explains the politics of polarization. Many people believe that modern Republican political successes are the result of increasing conservatism in the electorate.

Finally, as we noted in the myth of mobilization, the politics of polarization associated with this sorting-out works to the advantage of Republicans.

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