The extent to which people are exposed to cross-cutting political viewpoints has become of increasing concern to observers of American politics. Advocates of deliberative democracy believe such exposure is essential in order for alternatives to be contrasted effectively (Fishkin 1991). Others consider exposure to dissimilar views indispensable in forming valid opinions and in learning to appreciate the perspectives of others (Arendt 1968; Benhabib 1992). Still others point to the value of exposure to cross-cutting views for purposes of establishing political legitimacy. Exposure to cross-cutting views ensures "that no one could see the end result as arbitrary rather than ...