"Whatever it is, I'm Against it"

I found this chapter about the political parties interesting because some of it is so logical, yet I have never really stopped to think about it.  It makes sense that we seem to often end up with presidential candidates that are more "extreme" in their views because of gerrymandering and because only registered members of each party can vote in primaries.  I often become frustrated with politics because I consider myself one of the "moderate voters" described in the book, and I was struck by the quote by Mike Murphy: "Our politics (today) is almost like a parasite eating at the national interest for short-term gratification."  The point about negative ads and "destroying the category" was a good one too.  Definitely a thought-provoking chapter, especially as we prepare for another election.