From FDR in the 1930s on , some have argued that parties should be polarized . We 're seeing consequences of Dems as liberal party , GOP as conservative one , authors say . Sens . Lamar Alexander ( R-Tennessee ) and Mark Warner ( D-Virginia ) and a handful of others , for example , have launched laudable work on this count in the Senate , pulling together small , quiet dinners with legislators from both sides of the aisle who are strong in principles but equally strong in their commitment to moving the ball forward for the country . Comment: Gergen , Zuckerman : Obama , Romney have been firing up ideological base of their parties .
From FDR in the 1930s on , some have argued that parties should be polarized . We 're seeing consequences of Dems as liberal party , GOP as conservative one , authors say . Comment: Gergen , Zuckerman : Obama , Romney have been firing up ideological base of their parties .