It's all about the Supreme Court and power. The biggest difference, I presume, is that in the past all sides had at least a strict framework: "we both believe in capitalism, the Constitution and civil liberties (with free speech)". That mutual agreement allows for respectful dialog because there is a respect for each other as being "the good guys", unlike Eastern Bloc nations. Now, some wish to import the communist system.
I heard one particular candidate for Bidens V.P in an interview, and she mentioned "Biden will confront Russia"...not even a mention of China. THIS is their playbook. Blame all that is bad on Russia, instead of the focus that everyone on the streets knows is the problem because their big donors want to go back to China First, make no mistake, no matter what people on here try and say. Sure, make sure Russia doesn't expand further into Ukraine, but if this is the message they are selling, then Trump has to triple down on China and call out the Dems, all of the West truly knows who is their biggest enemy, it's why media hardly talk about the source of the Wuhan Virus, they DON'T want citizens to be reminded.
The fight against China is the fight of our lifetime, it will decide the fate of the West for generations.