Final answer:
Due to polarization in today's politics, parties and candidates are focusing less on appealing to the middle and more on mobilizing extreme ideologies.
Step-by-step explanation:
In today's polarized political landscape, parties and candidates are focusing less on appealing to the middle and more on mobilizing extreme ideologies. This means that they are catering to and energizing their base of supporters who hold more extreme views. By doing so, parties hope to secure the votes and loyalty of these passionate supporters, even if it means alienating those in the middle.