Obama Appeals For End To "Polarization And Meanness"

President Barack Obama took a nostalgic trip Wednesday to the Illinois capital where he launched his national political career. In an address to lawmakers, he appealed for help ridding politics of ``polarization and meanness'' that he says discourage participation in civic life. The president offered a few prescriptions, including reducing the influence of big money, changing the way congressional districts are drawn and making it easier for people to vote.