I was going to say just this, Rebecca but you beat me to it. Do you also remember how every single solitary bad thing that happened during those 8 years was somehow Obama’s fault — to the point that it became a meme (Thanks, Obama!)

Like, I stepped in dog shit — thanks, Obama!

Safeway’s out of Charmin — thanks, Obama!

etc.

In addition, there was the corrosive effect of Newt Gingrich a full decade earlier that along with the ascension of right wing media ushered in a new era of Republican extremists with whom there was no chance of dialogue. The “Moderate Republican” became a unicorn. Some of the blame falls squarely on the MSM that actually gave weight to the most ludicrous theories in some misguided attempt to appear fair and balanced.

And apropos of nothing — I’ve noticed that here on Medium, the most simplistic comments are usually made by people who remain anonymous.