The Mr. and Mrs. Smiths of the world say they enter politics to uphold the nation’s highest ideals or to serve the good people of Illinois. If that’s the case, then why all the bickering, posturing, and downright boorish behavior? Our politicians are divided by the aisle and values. And they’re not shy about saying so. But is all the partisanship a diminishment of politics? Or does it lift the game to its highest level? Robert Y. Shapiro discusses the pros and cons of political disagreement. He’s a professor of Political Science at Columbia University, and co-author of the book, Politicians Don’t Pander: Political Manipulation and the Loss of Democratic Responsiveness.

Music Button:  Shantel, “Disko Partizani”, from the CD Disko Partizani, (Crammed Disc)