Nor can many Democrats be convinced that the impeachment proceedings represent anything more than partisan payback for accumulated grievances. It is hard to say where it all started. This conflict has intensified of late for several reasons. One is that the political landscape is so evenly balanced between the two parties right now. Neither Republicans nor Democrats can gain the upper hand, but each is determined to win it all in every election.
Every skirmish becomes a significant battle.
Another factor is that the parties too often have found that the politics of polarization win elections, whatever the cost to governing. At times, the two parties have allowed their extreme wings to dominate, at the expense of the middle. Civility has become a casualty. There is no question that the events of 1998 have rubbed raw the nerves of partisans on both sides, and that the impending impeachment vote has added to the bitter feelings in both parties. The notion of impeachment as a solemn and sober process has disappeared in the welter of partisan argument.