I have my own theory over the root of polarization in US politics: Newt Gingrich & the "Contact with America" Gingrich & GOP party thinkers (not the politicia

I have my own theory over the root of polarization in US politics: Newt Gingrich & the "Contact with America" Gingrich & GOP party thinkers (not the politicians themselves) were tired of losing the congress for so many years (and it was a very long period) and made a "war plan" to take it. This consisted of rallying the troops, and being ruthless with anyone who strayed. Up to that point, Dem & GOP were actually civil to one another. Gingrich made it known that his side of the aisle was not to talk to - I mean that literally - was not to talk to Dems or socialize, bargain, anything at all. The party would deal with that. No personal relationships would be tolerated. "You just don't get it". Remember that phrase? That was Gingrich's way of saying, "you believe what we say, or you aren't one of us". He made it clear there was no free-thinking, no wiggle room. This wasn't about good governance. This was about rallying the troops to win the Congress and White House. This was, IMHO, the start of the no negotiating, complete polarization period. This was taught not just to the GOP politicians, but to the party followers. There would be no more compromise; this was a war, with only one winner. This simply deteriorated into what we have today. The media did nothing other than pick up the blood scent and run with it; they never drove any of it, and none of it came from personal thoughts of the average American.