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The Conversation USA

Lessons on political polarization from Lincoln's 'House Divided' speech, 160 years later

  • Written by Bradford Vivian, Professor of Communication Arts and Sciences and Director of the Center for Democratic Deliberation, Pennsylvania State University
The nation was bitterly divided over slavery in 1860, when this political cartoon was publishedLibrary of Congress Prints and Photographs Division

The idea of “two Americas,” or “red” and “blue” states, now dominates public discussion. “Political polarization,” the Pew Research Center reports,...

Read more: Lessons on political polarization from Lincoln's 'House Divided' speech, 160 years later

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