Gary Barnes: Understanding our history is critical to overcoming America’s great political divide

This year’s presidential election represents one of the most significant political contests in recent history. Far from the customary battle between two traditional candidates, this campaign provides voters with a stark choice: For the Democrats we have a candidate who, while considered fundamentally flawed in personal character and political capabilities, represents a conventional approach to American politics. Possessing a distinguished background as U.S. senator and secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, at least on paper, appears to be one of the most qualified candidates in recent memory.