Pew has published some new research that illustrates how the views of Americans has become alarmingly polarized over the past 20 years.
Basically, American who are staunchly conservative or liberal has doubled in the last decade, and these are these are the same people who are the most politically engaged. The result is a vicious circle of political animosity.
Pew Research
The trend is increasingly affecting where Americans choose to live, where they get their news, and with whom they associate. Consequently, as The Associated Press notes, "peaceful coexistence is increasingly difficult."
Pew Research
Pew Research
The party lines have hardened under President Barack Obama, whose average approval rating among Republicans in 14%.
Pew Research
And constituents of other parties don't like each other, either.
Pew Research
Pew Research
Pew Research
Pew Research
Put another way, conservatives are becoming more conservative and liberals are becoming more liberal.
Pew Research
Pew Research
Pew Research
Pew Research
This is especially true among the politically engaged.
Pew Research
Pew Research
The end result is fringes are growing ...
Pew Research
Pew Research
... which creates the vicious circle: The fringes are the most politically engaged - meaning that they are the main targets for politic ans and news media.
Pew Research
Pew Research