It seems as though American political discourse has become all style and no substance. Debate in the public square is dominated by the loudest, most provocative voices. Snarky tweets, panels of television talking heads and radio talk show rants are now what pass for discussion of public policy.

How did we get here? Without a doubt a big part of the problem is politicians who got elected making promises to get things done but instead did nothing except serve special interests. It is not surprising many voters have gone from being cynical and frustrated to just plain angry. This anger isn't limited to conservatives. Bernie Sanders' campaign for president is evidence of the frustration felt by those on the left as well. No one believes the current path we are on is sustainable. Something has to change.

But instead of our political leaders and candidates for public office responding to this anger by proposing and debating solutions to the problems facing our country, our political discourse is dominated by insults and purity tests.

Who is to blame for this? Well, maybe we all are. Politics has become entertainment. Radio talk show hosts, bloggers, television talking heads and professional activists are all looking for the "gotcha" moments in which the biting tweet or the snappy comeback is a badge of honor. To get ratings or sell newspapers, media coverage is dominated by endless "process" stories in which differences over public policy take a back seat to personality conflicts and trivialities like the kind of shoes a candidate is wearing.

For candidates and elected officials, the game requires that you always question the motives of the opposition, and attack those who disagree with you within your own party with enhanced relish and gusto. Making the opposition the "enemy" with dark motivations is important to raising money, which of course is key to staying in office.

Candidates, incumbents and the media all have a real interest in keeping the animosity at a high level. Today's politics are more about the soap opera-style drama of professional wrestling than about solving problems. No wonder people are angry.

On Jan. 27, 1838, a young Abraham Lincoln gave his famous Lyceum Address in which he stated that America could never be destroyed by outside forces. Instead, he said, "If destruction be our lot we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen we must live through all time or die by suicide." He gave this speech as an attack on slavery but also as a warning of the potential for destructive forces within our political system.

While there is little doubt America faces threats, Lincoln spoke the truth when he said the biggest threat we face is from ourselves. We all need to change the tone and tenor of political discourse in this country or else we truly are sowing the seeds of our own destruction. The good news is that we can change this.

Rather than politicians governing by polls or 140-character tweets, I believe what people really crave is political leaders who present solutions to our problems and then actually follow through when they get elected. I also think people are at a point where they would prefer honest discussions about public policy rather than discussion about the latest debate zinger.

I believe that leaders should lead. Campaigns should put forward solutions to the problems facing this country. I believe reducing the scope of government is important to protecting our liberties and maintaining our greatness as a nation. More importantly, I believe the future of our nation depends on political leadership committed to reducing the animosity and polarization that threaten this nation in a way no outside threat ever could.

John Howe is a former state senator and mayor of Red Wing and a Republican candidate for Congress in Minnesota's Second District.