Polarization predates Trump, but we can take these steps to remedy it | Opinion – TCPalm

Jim Miskel Published 4:37 p.m. ET Jan. 16, 2020

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An important legacy of the last couple of decades is the increased polarization of our politics and society. Now, the two main political parties feud like the Hatfields and McCoys, and the result is paralysis in addressing worrisome economic, ethnic and ideological divisions in our society.

Polarization is a global phenomenon that started in the United States before the Trump Administration took office, so it would not be fair to lay the responsibility for it at President DonaldTrumps feet.Moreover, many actors have done their best to polarize us and the politicians who represent us.

Interest groups in Washington and around the country have long encouraged voters to base their votes (and their campaign contributions) on single issues, rather than what is good for the country as a whole. Additionally, the media mullahs of political correctness have generated resentment in many middle-of-the-country neighborhoods by their criticism of traditional values. Washingtons history of paying lip service to the problems of rural and Rust Belt communities has not helped either.

Polarization, though, has noticeably worsened on Trumps watch, and it is high time to do something about it.

The problem is not going to vaporize in a burst of spontaneous "Saul on the road to Damascus" conversions to civility and civic values like putting national interests over partisan self-interest.

Democrat and Republican leaders have invested too much of themselves in the status quo to turn over new leaves without pressure for change.

A skillful presidential campaign could create that pressure. A candidate who offered concrete, practical ideas for breaking down the barriers between Democrats and Republicans could energize the voters and spark reflection in party heads.

Joe Bidens recent statement that he would consider selecting a Republican as his vice-presidential nominee is not one of those ideas. It is not practical: His party would never put forward a ticket putting a Republican a heartbeat away from the Presidency. Such a ticket might also put that Republican in the pole position for the 2024 presidential election.

Declaring partisan bygones will remain bygones is an obvious first step.Expressions of good intent dont hurt, but their effects are transient. Another obvious step would be a pledge by Democrats to appoint respected Republicans to senior positions in the new administration.

Jim Miskel(Photo: CONTRIBUTED PHOTO FROM JIM MISKEL)

Reaching across the aisle is nothing new: Democratic Presidents Harry Truman, John F. Kennedy, Bill Clinton and BarackObama each appointed Republicans as their secretaries of defense. Unfortunately, this too had only a temporary effect on the partisan divide. More importantly, neither of these steps energized the voters to push for an end to polarization.

A more consequential step might be to call for a bipartisan commission or two to set policy (not just make recommendations) on national issues whose resolution would directly benefit voters on both sides of the partisan divide.

Those benefits might be incentive enough for voters from both parties to push for Democratic and Republican cooperation.A commission could, for example, set the priorities for upgrading our highways, seaports, airports and air-traffic control systems.

Anyone who travels knows the transportation infrastructure needs improvement and that improvements will benefit the country, not just the residents of the affected port cities and air hubs.

Subsequent commissions could set priorities for federal spending on election security and protecting our digital infrastructure.

Presidents and presidential candidates have the power to lead by example, but good intentions and fine words are not enough.

Reducing political polarization requires foregoing retaliation for yesterdays perceived offenses and sustained effort at creating situations in which there are incentives for hatchet-burying and cross-party cooperation.

Jim Miskel is a former professor of national security affairs at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. He and his wife are year-round residents of Vero Beach.

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Polarization predates Trump, but we can take these steps to remedy it | Opinion - TCPalm