Table of Content
The erosion of the principle of “country over party” in modern American politics reflects a profound shift driven by increased polarization, media fragmentation, and a growing focus on partisanship. This shift has seen leaders who foster cults of personality and exploit divisions, prioritizing personal power and party allegiance over national unity. A complex interplay of social, political, and technological factors has contributed to this erosion, impacting the political landscape and national priorities.
Polarization and Partisan Identity
Over the past few decades, polarization has deepened significantly in the U.S. political system. Political identity has shifted from being a preference to becoming a core aspect of personal identity, akin to religion or ethnicity.
This form of polarization, known as “affective polarization,” creates a divide where members of opposing parties are not just seen as wrong, but as fundamentally different and even morally inferior. This makes it difficult to prioritize national interests over party loyalty as political identities become more entrenched.
A 2023 survey revealed that 88% of Democrats considered the opposing party’s candidate a “danger to democracy,” while similar numbers on the Republican side reflect a deep-seated belief that the other party poses an existential threat​ (POLITICO).
Media Fragmentation and Misinformation
The media landscape has dramatically changed, contributing to the fragmentation of political discourse. Where once a few major outlets provided uniform perspectives on national issues, the rise of cable news, talk radio, and digital media has created echo chambers.
Media outlets now cater specifically to ideological segments, reinforcing preexisting beliefs. This environment fosters division, and social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube amplify the problem by spreading misinformation through algorithms that prioritize sensational content.
The rapid spread of misinformation, often partisan in nature, deepens political divides. A report from Politico highlights how the fragmentation of traditional and social media undermines public trust in democratic institutions ​(POLITICO)​(Cascade PBS). This makes it increasingly difficult to foster a sense of shared purpose, as opposing viewpoints are rarely encountered.
Gerrymandering and Electoral Incentives
Gerrymandering—the manipulation of electoral district boundaries—has significantly contributed to the erosion of “country over party.” By creating districts that favor one party, elections become less competitive, and candidates are encouraged to cater to their party’s base.
This dynamic pushes candidates to adopt more extreme partisan positions during primary elections, making bipartisanship less of a priority.
In recent years, the partisan redrawing of district maps has led to more ideologically extreme politicians entering office. These “safe” seats result in fewer incentives for cooperation and compromise across the aisle ​(Unite America — Country Over Party). Gerrymandering has therefore reinforced the focus on party loyalty over national unity.
Cult of Personality and the Politics of Fear
The rise of cults of personality has further weakened the principle of “country over party.” Leaders who cultivate such followings position themselves as the saviors of the nation, blurring the lines between personal and national loyalty.
This personalization of politics often leads to radicalization, with followers adopting extreme views that paint political opponents as existential threats.
In this environment, compromise is viewed as a betrayal. The fear-mongering tactics employed by these leaders exacerbate divisions, making it almost impossible to find common ground. As a result, the broader national interest is sidelined in favor of loyalty to the leader and party dominance.
A striking example of this tactic is the way some leaders frame political opponents as internal “traitors” who must be defeated at any cost, contributing to the erosion of political norms that once prioritized national unity​ (Cascade PBS).
3rd World Style Politics
Leaders who thrive on a cult of personality frequently undermine democratic institutions, such as the judiciary, media, and electoral systems. By fostering distrust in these institutions, they can consolidate power through authoritarian tactics often associated with “3rd world style politics.”
These leaders disregard the rule of law, treating political opponents as enemies to be crushed rather than as participants in a democratic process.
Such authoritarian behaviors mirror those found in less stable political regimes, where institutions are manipulated to ensure the dominance of the ruling party. In this environment, governance shifts from prioritizing national unity to securing party control, further eroding the principle of “country over party.”
Erosion of Political Norms
Political norms that once guided behavior in Washington have been weakened. Respect for institutional processes, bipartisanship, and the expectation that leaders act in the national interest have given way to a political culture that rewards partisanship and personal ambition.
Leaders who prioritize their agendas over national unity often flout these norms, normalizing behavior that elevates party loyalty above democratic principles.
This erosion has long-term consequences, as leaders who continually violate norms without consequence undermine the very institutions designed to protect the democratic process​ (Cascade PBS).
As a result, party loyalty increasingly takes precedence over adherence to the rule of law and the principle of putting the country first.
Long-Term Consequences
The rise of cults of personality, the erosion of political norms, and the deepening polarization have long-lasting effects. Once political norms are broken and trust in democratic institutions diminishes, it becomes increasingly difficult to restore them.
The resulting instability can persist long after these leaders leave office, making it harder for future leaders to govern effectively and for the country to come together in times of crisis.
Restoring the principle of “country over party” requires not only addressing the underlying causes of polarization, media fragmentation, and gerrymandering but also fostering a political culture that values compromise, unity, and the common good over personal and party ambitions.
Conclusion
The principle of “country over party” has long been a cornerstone of American democracy, promoting national unity and the common good.
However, factors such as increased polarization, media fragmentation, gerrymandering, and the rise of cults of personality have weakened this principle.
Restoring this balance requires addressing these underlying issues and fostering a political culture that values unity, democratic norms, and the national interest over partisanship and personal ambition.
Resources
- POLITICO reports on the increasing polarization and its impact on American democracy, highlighting how hyperpolarized politics and close elections have put the system under great stress. The article discusses how this environment fosters a climate where party loyalty often takes precedence over national interest, contributing to the erosion of the “country over party” ethos​ (POLITICO).
- Cascade PBS News (Crosscut) examines the increasing partisanship in places like Washington state, which historically had a strong tradition of independent voting. The article explains how the rise of intense partisanship and the personalization of political identities have made “people over party” a rare phenomenon, reflecting broader national trends​ (Cascade PBS News).