Political researchers say America is deeply divided, but that the problem is not as extreme as many people believe. Surveys show a large middle group whose views cross partisan lines, according to the story.
Kristin Laurin, a psychology professor at the University of British Columbia, said a recent conversation between two friends in Houston, one a conservative and one a liberal, reflected patterns seen in research. Laurin said people often avoid talking about politics because they fear conflict, and that this silence can lead them to overestimate their differences. "Our perceived polarization far outstrips the actual polarization," Laurin said.
Laurin said politicians and political elites often describe their opponents as extreme to motivate their own voters. She said social media also amplifies political rage bait to drive engagement. Researchers have also found that many people share similar values despite real political differences.
The story cites the April indictment of former FBI director James Comey over a social media post of a photo of seashells on a beach. The Department of Justice said the post was a death threat against the president. Jonathan Turley, a constitutional law professor at George Washington University Law School, told Fox News he was puzzled that the post was being discussed as a legal matter.