The End of Political Polarization?

Cal Thomas | Syndicated Columnist | Updated: Aug 15, 2007

The End of Political Polarization?

August 15, 2007

To listen to the left, one would think that departing White House aide Karl Rove is responsible for the political division and polarization that exists in the country.

Yes, he focused on politics sometimes more than policy, using policy as a means to achieve political ends. But that is hardly new. Remember Dick Morris? He did precisely the same thing with President Clinton. He called it, “triangulation.” As for mean-spiritedness, it would be hard to top the likes of James Carville, Paul Begala and Harold Ickes, all of whom polluted the waters in the Clinton presidency.

There is a way out of polarization, but it is going to take someone with great political skills. Bob Beckel and I have written a book about it: “Common Ground: How to Stop the Partisan War That Is Destroying America.”  It will be out in October, but can be pre-ordered through my web page. We think that pursuing objectives that Republicans and Democrats endorse can help heal the partisan divide. Karl Rove is not the author of polarization, though he practiced it better than the Democrats. That’s the reason they hate him.


Cal Thomas is a nationally syndicated columnist based in Washington, D.C.

The End of Political Polarization?