America’s bipartisan hatefest is doing China and Russia’s dirty work for free

The opinion piece argues that escalating hostility between America’s Democrats and Republicans is weakening trust in the country’s political system and distracting it from constructive policy. It says each side’s excesses provoke more extreme reactions from the other, while social media rewards inflammatory claims and narrows space for moderate views.

The writer cites $11.21 billion in election advertising and a 3.4% growth rate, and criticises actions by both parties, including election denial and border policy. The article argues that China, Russia, North Korea and other authoritarian states benefit from American division, which it says is amplified by bots. It calls on people in both parties to challenge extremism, leave online outrage cycles and focus on the country’s underlying economic strengths.