Based on a new Pew Research Poll, Americans are more politically polarized than 25 years ago. Using 48 value-oriented questions, the poll found that there is now an 18-point difference between Democrats and Republicans, compared to just 10 points in 1987, when the poll began. The study also found that more people than ever before are identifying as Independent, or 38 percent. Democrats came in at 32 percent and Republicans, 24. How does this affect social issues like gay marriage? The CBS News article has a few insights.