A dreadfully dull title I know, and being a Brit I could probably come up with something more sensational, given our newspapers. But I digress; it's a little over thirteen years ago since I started my studies at UIUC, and much has changed since then, namely the tenor of American political debate.
I was a wide eyed young left winger, even by British standards in 1996, and yet I was able to engage in dialogue with Republicans, I dated one for three years and I even got on well with the President of the College Republicans - despite being called Socialist Nick, which was actually an accurate nickname.
Dems, Republicans, Labour, Conservatives, and some Aussie brethren; we would have long talks about everything and anything; social policy, Government interventions in the market, without any accusations of treason flying around (I should point out that we did talk about other things too, we weren't complete social deadbeats!).
This was before Lewinsky and 9/11, which apparently in social discourse changed everything. And maybe Fox and FP should take some of the blame too - incubators of right wing silos.
Can the experience that I had be replicated on US college campuses today, without vitriol? I somehow doubt it. Translating this into the national political scene, I find it striking that the Republican caucus of 2009 require absolute obedience - such that the Joseph Cao's of this world are ostracised, never mind the demographics of his district. Take a look at the droolings on RedState if you doubt it.
A friend of mine warned me before I headed to the US that most sane UK Conservatives would be Democrats, and while the fit was, at that time, I think, imperfect, it is absolutely true today.
However, I have optimism, because all of this is refracted through a Republican/Democratic view of the world, and my ex is now a raving Liberal - the centre is not where it was and the conservative view as espoused on RedState and by Glenn Beck is supported by less and less people. This is not your Grandfather's Republican Party, and if you're a Democrat that should give you some joy, because you've won the argument.
The teabaggers are marginal, though how much do I hate them for bringing the British national drink into disrepute, as well as another activity that can be quite enjoyable too....
Apologies for incoherence, would love to hear your views. I have lurked here since 2002, and this is my first diary.