Your broader question re: polarization in the public is a fascinating one, and there’s no easy answer in part because political scientists aren’t in full agreement on what the data show. A very simple answer is that most Americans share a core set of values, and are generally moderate on most policy issues. However, when forced to choose between two options, or candidates, they may appear to be more polarized than they actually are. So, for example, the presidential approval questions only allow you to respond as either approving, or disapproving (or “don’t know”) of the president’s performance. This can create the perception of a more polarized public than is actually the case. I hope to expand on this point in a later post.

Dean’s and Obama’s mobilization efforts notwithstanding, isn’t a big reason why presidents tend to be more moderate than the wings of either party that they represent more (diverse) people?

Presidents are more or less elected by the public (Electoral College mostly a frustrating curiosity), and Congresspeople represent a typically more-uniform chunk of the American population in their districts. Rep. Pelosi is an easy example: she represents most of SF, where the Greens are a viable party. There may be some who identify with Republicans there, but it really is a relatively uniform political will.

Matt, is there any data on how people think their own Congresspeople are doing?

As for polarization of the public, I wonder how much it is affected by the media (whether mainstream or otherwise) more or less parroting the points of view of the “two sides” rather than really bringing thoughtful voices to bear on the subjects of Washington. Considering the fracturing of news sources – people can choose to get the news they agree with – I wonder how easy it is to “unpolarize” people with polarized views.

I should have the winner of the coattails contest announced in the next few days – I’m giving others a chance to weigh in here!

Yeah, well, shouldn’t we keep this under our hats? If the truth gets out, there will never be any decent candidates.