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Originally Posted by overhead
If a Republican comes out with a moderate position on gun control (maybe supports small steps) he/she is likely to face an expensive primary challenge. Same for the democrat in the opposite direction. They sort of learn to keep their moderate opinions to themselves.
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Overhead, I think you just nailed it. People are conditioned to want their emotions stoked and stroked, and politicians at all points on the spectrum have learned this. Sound bites and fear-mongering polarize people, and that unfortunately prevents the kind of conversation that's needed for compromise to take place. Another consequence is that moderates who do speak up are likely to be attacked from both sides.
It's a shame.