[jfman]

I'm curious as to how America steps back from this madness where such distrust exists between both sides. Since when in a democracy were people you simply disagreed with the enemy?

Let's be honest most political parties are elites and to some extent corporate shills. They might nudge the dial slightly left or slightly to the right. Tax might go up the odd penny here or there. Or come down. What the state should do, or not do, is the basis for democracy - when does that become framed as eroding freedom? In four years time (two in the House) people get to go to the ballot box and change the dynamics all over again if they disagee.