Questions About Why We're Polarized

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Answered Questions (4)

Polarization is here to stay, Klein asserts. Agree or disagree and why?

Rafael Nardini The red state vs. blue state narrative is too simplistic. "Us against Them," the demagogue's eternal calling card. There is no "them" . There is only …moreThe red state vs. blue state narrative is too simplistic. "Us against Them," the demagogue's eternal calling card. There is no "them" . There is only us -- imperfect people working to form a more perfect union and making fitful progress with each generation.(less)

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Is this book too much focused on US problems or is it more a sort of global thing? (i know the problem is global, but i want to know if all the explanations are focused on the US cases)

Chloe Landis It's centered around why the U.S. is polarized today so its all U.S. examples. …moreIt's centered around why the U.S. is polarized today so its all U.S. examples. (less)

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Klein says that partisan discrimination is common and socially acceptable. Is it true that partisans show favoritism to their allies and discriminate against members of the other party? Is it justifiable?

cac Partisans absolutely show favoritism to their allies and unfortunately do discriminate against the out group. You see this in almost every aspect of o…morePartisans absolutely show favoritism to their allies and unfortunately do discriminate against the out group. You see this in almost every aspect of our political lives and often in our "normal" lives as well. Example: In the book Klein includes a study that found participants favored resumes of candidates within their political group even if other candidates were more qualified or impressive.(less)

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Will Klein's prediction come true that no future Supreme Court nominees will be confirmed when the Senate is controlled by a different party than the President?

Thomas I think the right will confirm moderate Supreme Court justices as long as their SC majority is not threatened. The courts are the right's main lever o…moreI think the right will confirm moderate Supreme Court justices as long as their SC majority is not threatened. The courts are the right's main lever of power, and if they destroy the Court's legitimacy they risk losing it.(less)

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Unanswered Questions (1)

I love the title and want to read the book. But then the only endorsements I see are by polarizing left-wing figures: Barack Obama, Bill Gates, and Oprah. Is this book bipartisan (as the title suggests) or left-leaning (as the endorsements suggest)?

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