I think it comes down to the two party system reaching the inevitable place where staying in power is most efficiently achieved by mischaracterizing the other side. In one swoop, you can make “them” look bad, and yourself more loyal. Mischaracterization is like sugar, whereas rational, respectful debate between a diverse set of well intentioned people is long term heathy eating. In both cases you think you’re doing right — your body needs energy, the country needs governing. But there’s the shortcut with long term consequences or the better way.

Crazy idea: change to run-off style voting and give the people the power to vote our way out of the gridlock.