First off, let me thank you for the kind words.  
Second, I think part of the reason this political season seems so bad, is because of the immediate availability of unfiltered information that is often out of context.  Some of it in 'sound bite' form.  I believe other contests have gotten as, or more, divisive.  If you look at history, there have been a number of times that the complaint has been made of it getting to down to your verbal brawl level.
As far as the tolerance issue, I believe it is an accusation that can be made about both sides.  However, we, on the right, love to point out that left often seems to be tolerant of  every viewpoint but those that they deem intolerant.  To be totally tolerant, we have to listen to and allow all viewpoints.  I know that is part of what many of my fellow veterans fought and died for.