How to temper discourse and bridge the political abyss

Some unfortunate trash talk has dominated the political conversation as the election season enters the home stretch.

From a shameful joke comparing Puerto Rico to a garbage island to a political opponent's supporters being described as garbage -- all of it belongs in the landfill of unsavory and unhelpful discourse. 

But alas, this is the harsh reality of a nation that is divided by a political chasm that only seems to be widening.