As society divides into two rival sects, politics retreats into simplistic stereotypes.

Bombastic generalizations about political opponents used to be the province of demagogues and provocateurs. Today, the tactic is embraced by an increasing number of Democrats and Republicans. Political labeling is both a symptom and a cause of deepening polarization. For the Left, conservative opponents are habitually dismissed as racists and white supremacists without exploring the views and allegiances of individuals so condemned.