Here's something that won't come as a scoop: This country is seriously polarized.

Political rhetoric is at a fever pitch, perhaps more so than ever in our history. The public discourse has coarsened, which in turn has impacted the ability of elected federal officials to get things done, so fearful are they of alienating their political bases by coming to compromises.

There are plenty of reasons for why we've come to this state. A big one is what passes for commentary on cable TV and talk radio.

Veteran broadcast journalist Ted Koppel tackled the topic last night on NBC's Rock Center. Watch the clips here and here.