Many political commentators today are perplexed by what seems to be the increasing polarization of the two party system in America, and the rising tensions that have accompanied a rhetorical arms race of inflammatory cross fire.

It is my contention that the Republican and Democratic Parties are not in fact drifting further apart than ever before, but over recent decades have actually become more and more like each other, and that today they are nearly indistinguishable from each other in terms of the substantive policy results each delivers when in power.

ANNAPOLIS, MD. -  Republican Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has cast his ballot for US Senate. However, he did not vote for Republican nominee Tony Campbell. He voted for independent candidate Neal Simon.

Simon released the following statement in response to the governor's vote:

From midterm predictions, to the migrant caravan, to foreign relations, The Flip Side is keeping it real.

It’s a newsletter digest of op-eds and analysis from liberal and conservative media. The founder The Flip Side, Annafi Wahed, and her team scour editorials from both sides of the political spectrum to bring you the legitimate views from both sides of the aisle so you can get a clear view of the other side’s perspective - no matter your bias.

In the latest episode of "In Full Color," I talk with IVN author Wes Messamore and IVC Media President Chad Peace on what independent-minded voters should be watching come Election Day.

Americans are already voting in the midterm elections. Next week, after another ugly election cycle, we’ll achieve some level of clarity on the political direction of the United States for the next two years.

But a different party in power won’t suddenly bring about progress on those issues that confront us today and that will confront us again next week. Clarity should not be confused with change.

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It's not often a Secretary of State so blatantly endorses one of the two major parties, but that's the midterm mania in Alabama.

Secretary of State John Merrill has certainly raised eyebrows in the Heart of Dixie with his ringing endorsement of the GOP, in fact, Merrill begs voters to go "all red" on midterm Tuesday.

San Diego, Calif.- Three recent polls show independent candidate for Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner continuing to lead Democrat Ricardo Lara.

Poizner leads Lara on average 44.5% to 38.7%. He's doing it with NPP voters, as well as Republican voters. Poizner is the overwhelming choice for the GOP. According to the Berkeley poll, it's to the tune of 86%.

If he wins, Poizner would be the first NPP candidate to win statewide office in California.

In this episode of Deconstructed, TJ O’Hara sits down with Joe Trippi, Democratic strategist, author, and political commentator. Trippi has worked on some challenging campaigns, like Howard Dean, Ted Kennedy, and now, Ammar Campa-Najjar in California’s 50th Congressional District. The two “deconstruct” the shifting campaign climate, the challenges in his current campaign, and the impact of social media on campaigns.

Amid all the divisive ugliness inside the Beltway, here is some good news: 2018 may well be the best year in a half century for election reform. Today’s narrative laments a crumbling democracy, alienated voters, and a political culture spiraling ever downward.

While true, that narrative is incomplete. It misses the remarkable energy building across many states to confront these problems, shore up our democracy, and rebuild our political culture.

San Diego, Calif.- California may be considered a one-party state, but within its chambers are some legislators who don’t take marching orders from either party’s leadership.

And they’re effective.

Below, we take a look at 8 of California’s most independent-minded legislators, and why the Democratic Party is hoping that a “blue wave” crashes on some of their seats: