This election has caused more animus than any I can recall. I lost a friend I have known since 1956 (third grade, if you're scoring) when he started acting like Michael Freaking Moore. It bothered me for a day or two. Now, it just feels like an old pal was sent off to the big gray building with the rubber rooms. Actually, that's not a bad idea.
Election-wise, you're right. But controversy-wise, Joe McCarthy, especially considering contemporaneous media, may have been worse. My father decked another lawyer (who happened to be the father of one of my best friends) and came very close to doing the same to a neighbor (no, my father didn't through the first punch either time); my 7th-grade nun failed me (and two others) on an essay about the Army-McCarthy hearings (on "content"). But the Long Island (NY) Conservative Party (backing one Thomas Shea) was formed as a result.
Dang! Maybe ya'll can work it out after all the nuttiness dies down a bit. eh?
Yeah, I'm on thin ice with a very old friend now as well.
She needs a friend (she's in a pretty bad way physically)and for most of our conversations, we stick to safe topics and avoid the Elephant (no pun intended) in the room.
But before she hangs up, she can't resist getting in some dig. I really upset her once by telling her it is a religion with her. It is and facts have no relevance.
She also worships Dan Rather. This has to be hard on her, but I'm sure she's figured out in her mind that he is the hero and nasty republicans are at fault.
I just wish Nixon were alive to see Rather finally taken down.