After Republican, Democratic ‘Debates,’ A Political RoundupFive Republican and three Democratic “debates” have winnowed the ranks of 2016 presidential contenders but sharpened political differences between the two main political parties and candidates running under their banners. Having just completed their most recent round four days apart in December and with a showdown in South Carolina looming in January (on Jan. 14 and17, respectively) Republicans and Democrats have ratcheted up the rhetoric, looking for victory at the polls any way they can get it. Leid Stories probes listeners’ opinions of the new lows in American politics.