Congress most polarized in almost a century

[○∙◄☻¥tπ[╪AV┼cVê└]

Party unity for Republican Senators is a record high going back to at least 1879. House Republicans are also near a record high. Democrats trail behind in party unity.


Thanks, Mr. "I'm a uniter, not a divider".

http://voteview.com/Polarized_America.htm

[MaC]

you don't have to prove it to me that Bush is a divider-preaching to the choir there fernie.  Although-I will say he's more of a divider within the Republican party.

[John Dibble]

No surprises here. Given how the nation has become so polarized it's nothing shocking that Congress has as well.

[MasterJedi]

No surprises here. Given how the nation has become so polarized it's nothing shocking that Congress has as well.

I guess JFraud thought he'd catch us all by surprise!

[Democratic Hawk]

Yes, things are polarised. Too polarised in fact, which is why I'm hoping the Democrats actually gain control of Congress. A new Democratic House will have a lot more moderate Democrats for a kick-off , while a Democratic Senate would fairly good on that score too

However, whether or not, Bush can work with a Democratic Congress and whether or not, a Democratic Congress can work with Bush remains to be seen

Either way it will give both Bush and the Democrats an opportunity to prove that they are above petty partisan bickering. If Bush can work with Democrats, he'll go up in my estimation if nothing else. And my esteem is not fetted on all and sundry

Of course this means that the Democrats should stay well clear of impeaching Bush. Incompetent as he is, I don't think that alone is grounds for impeachment

Dave

[riceowl]

I don't know what Bush being president has to do with Congress being divided.  What happened to personal accountability?

But yeah.  Sucks.

get the libs and cons outta there!

[memphis]

A lot of the polarization has to do with gerrymandering. With so many districts completely in one party, candidates have to distinguish themselves in the primary where it often pays to be as far to the left/right as possible.

[○∙◄☻¥tπ[╪AV┼cVê└]

A lot of the polarization has to do with gerrymandering. With so many districts completely in one party, candidates have to distinguish themselves in the primary where it often pays to be as far to the left/right as possible.

That doesn't explain the Senate.

[bullmoose88]

A lot of the polarization has to do with gerrymandering. With so many districts completely in one party, candidates have to distinguish themselves in the primary where it often pays to be as far to the left/right as possible.

That doesn't explain the Senate.

The Senate...most of your moderates seem to be Red Senators in Blue States (Save Santorum), or Blue Senators in Red States (ie Nelson)...and they aren't that sizable. It seems, that the extremism is driven by the fact that you've got crazy Red Senators safely seated in red states, along with Blue Crazies in blue states. I'm sure you want to say that the Reds are crazier than the blues, but I'm not in the mood for partisan drivel.

The only way you get those crazies out is through an act of sheer stupidity on their part (Ie Burns, Allen...maybe Menendez[who is more corrupt than crazy]).

I'm hard pressed, other than Santorum, to name a crazy senator from a state his/her party lost in the 2000 or 2004 election.

[○∙◄☻¥tπ[╪AV┼cVê└]

Graphs of every single member of Congress.

[Democratic Hawk]

I don't know what Bush being president has to do with Congress being divided.  What happened to personal accountability?

Arguably, nothing directly but Bush is a polarising President and to some extent must set the tone for his acolytes, down in the House, especially, though on immigration many aren't in step with him

Dave

[Conan]

I would have never guessed.

[MODU]

The polarization can be resolved in two ways:

1)  Get rid of the democrats 
2)  Bring in a third party 

[○∙◄☻¥tπ[╪AV┼cVê└]

The polarization can be resolved in two ways:

1)  Get rid of the democrats 
2)  Bring in a third party 

In other words, you want one party Republican control.

[DWPerry]

The polarization can be resolved in two ways:

1)  Get rid of the democrats 
2)  Bring in a third party 

There is a third way, eliminate all political parties and hold non-partisan IRV elections.

[Frodo]

I suppose it's fitting that the most polarizing (and obnoxious) poster on this forum should start a thread on how polarized Congress is. 

[MODU]

I suppose it's fitting that the most polarizing (and obnoxious) poster on this forum should start a thread on how polarized Congress is. 

hahaha . . . very good. 

[○∙◄☻¥tπ[╪AV┼cVê└]

I suppose it's fitting that the most polarizing (and obnoxious) poster on this forum should start a thread on how polarized Congress is. 

Speak for yourself.

[Frodo]

I suppose it's fitting that the most polarizing (and obnoxious) poster on this forum should start a thread on how polarized Congress is. 

Speak for yourself.

You far outrank me when it comes to being a polarizing, conceited, obnoxious brat. 

[WalterMitty]

well i havent read a single post on this thread.  im just assuming that dailykos said this was the most polarized congress and jfern agrees.

i wonder if a polarized congress is a *bad* thing?

[○∙◄☻¥tπ[╪AV┼cVê└]

well i havent read a single post on this thread.  im just assuming that dailykos said this was the most polarized congress and jfern agrees.

i wonder if a polarized congress is a *bad* thing?

I didn't get it from DailyKos, fool.

[Colin]

well i havent read a single post on this thread.  im just assuming that dailykos said this was the most polarized congress and jfern agrees.

i wonder if a polarized congress is a *bad* thing?

I didn't get it from DailyKos, fool.

Oh so you heard about it from DailyKos?

[○∙◄☻¥tπ[╪AV┼cVê└]

well i havent read a single post on this thread.  im just assuming that dailykos said this was the most polarized congress and jfern agrees.

i wonder if a polarized congress is a *bad* thing?

I didn't get it from DailyKos, fool.

Oh so you heard about it from DailyKos?

No. I think you guys need to rub together some more neurons, if you have them.

[Colin]

well i havent read a single post on this thread.  im just assuming that dailykos said this was the most polarized congress and jfern agrees.

i wonder if a polarized congress is a *bad* thing?

I didn't get it from DailyKos, fool.

Oh so you heard about it from DailyKos?

No. I think you guys need to rub together some more neurons, if you have them.

Oh I have plenty sometimes I worry that some of yours might be getting rather lonely though.

So where did you get it from?