The American electorate is becoming a house divided. Polarization has reached a level we haven’t seen in at least a generation, and a growing number of people - Republicans and Democrats - say they view the other side as a threat. But political affiliation isn’t the only dividing line. Where we live - rural versus urban - creates another level of disconnect. How did voters end up so firmly in their political corners? A look at the state of disunion.
Guests
Dr. Jason Husser, assistant professor of political science and policy studies, Elon University; director, Elon University Poll(On Twitter: @JasonHusser)
Bill Bishop, author, The Big Sort: Why the Clustering of Like-Minded America Is Tearing Us Apart
Related Reading:
Pew Research Center: "Partisanship and Political Animosity in 2016"
"The 2016 campaign is unfolding against a backdrop of intense partisan division and animosity. Partisans’ views of the opposing party are now more negative than at any point in nearly a quarter of a century. For the first time in surveys dating to 1992, majorities in both parties express not just unfavorable but very unfavorable views of the other party. And today, sizable shares of both Democrats and Republicans say the other party stirs feelings of not just frustration, but fear and anger."