Who killed civility?

• Position: TRENDS AND TRANSITIONS - Brief article

While 87 percent of Americans believe people can disagree about politics respectfully, even more--95 percent--believe civility in politics is vital for a healthy democracy. But nearly 50 percent of Americans believe we are moving in the wrong direction and that there has been a clear deterioration in the tone of politics since Barack Obama became president. Of those who pay close attention to politics, some 60 percent feel so. These are the findings in a recent Allegheny College survey designed to gauge attitudes and perception of civility in politics.

So, who do those surveyed believe is to blame for this decline in respect?

WHO OR WHAT HAS PUSHED...