“We are Americans first, Americans last, Americans always. Let's discuss our differences. But remember that we are not enemies. (Estepa) This quote from John McCain during his speech at the 2004 Republican National Convention resonates with Americans, most of whom are victims of the political polarization of the United States. Senator John McCain, who became known as the Maverick of the Senate, was the epitome of a political moderate, who put the country's well-being above his party's agenda. In recent years, the divide in politics has widened to become hyperpartisan, leading to congressional gridlock. An increasingly polarized electorate, gerrymandering, and the policies of President Obama and President Trump have contributed to growing division in American government as well as American society. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay America has become polarized over “what it means to be American.” (Drutman) Both political parties have very different opinions on the direction this country should take. The Democratic Party has become more progressive (wants more government involvement) with leaders like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, while the Republican Party has become more conservative (wants less government involvement), with leaders like Donald Trump, Mike Pence and other Tea Party Republicans. “The left believes that Donald Trump is anti-American, xenophobic, racist and opposes the true American vision of tolerance. His immigration policies and border wall are contrary to the principles that America stands for. The right believes Democrats are anti-American, denigrate our founding as a Christian nation, and want to secularize everything. They don't want to open our borders to those who want to blow us up. They define real Americans as those who don't live on the coast or in the cities, where most Democrats live." (Drutman) Both parties see America's future taking different paths, but they do not respect each other's points of view. In a democracy, it is essential that everyone's opinions are respected and with the current American political atmosphere, this seems extremely unlikely. It seems that each party's goal is to pursue its own agenda when it is in power and hinder that of the other when it is. not in power. Americans saw this with the passage of Obamacare. “[Obamacare] was the first time comprehensive healthcare was passed with single-party support influencing policy implementation.” (“Partisanship was not the only factor in how the Obamacare exchanges were adopted by states.”) Republicans had spent years criticizing elements of the Obamacare reform, including single-payer party. The health care issue has instilled resentment on both sides. Democrats believe that those who disagree with Obamacare don't care about uninsured people with pre-existing conditions, while Republicans don't want to turn America's healthcare system into a socialized system. Americans have also noticed a polarization in Congress' confirmation of Supreme Court justices. After Justice Scalia's death, President Obama chose to consider Justice Merrick Garland. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell delayed his confirmation hearing until after the 2016 presidential election. After President Trump's election, “the Senate Majority Leader also triggered the nuclear option, a change of rules it has.