[Naspino]

Politics has always been this way.

Its been this way in our lifetimes. It was not this way when the country was founded -- or those that attempted it failed. It is remarkable to read the debates that took place over two hundred years ago -- they put to shame our current political system.

[Iris7]

I am familiar with the period 1750 - 1789. You are mistaken. Examine the politics in detail.

Remember that Franklin had his nephew die in prison because he was of the other political party. Remember that the Royalists had all of their property confiscated and were thrown out of the country. Remember that many of the Framer's were sure that the "republic" would fail through democracy.

Hamilton was probably the most convincing of this party, and Hamilton thought that the Constitution was a forlorn hope but the best that could be accomplished. Hamilton said that the people would not defend the Constitution, and he has been proved correct.

[justshutupandtakeit]

Nonsense. Elections in 1800 were as propagandistic and irrational as ever. Apparently you are not very familiar with the politics of that era to claim some purity since lost. Jefferson's campaigns were nothing but propaganda (at least the parts not outright lies.)