While there is a lot of nostalgia about some good old days, the reality is that politics was always dysfunctional. I just read a book that described a January 6 -like protest that happened in Indiana in 1863.

https://davevolek.medium.com/book-review-hoosier-hysterical-d5d008a68e38

Fifiteen years ago, someone like Donald Trump would not have acquired high office. Not only did he get this office, he came close to keeping it despite four years of inept rule. He could win it again. In this matter, things are indeed noticeably different.

Isaac Asimov prophecized that democracies are not forever.

https://medium.com/tiered-democratic-governance/asimov-foundation-democracy-26ea4578e49d

As for Mr. Lees' 14%/86% split, he was vague on where he got these numbers from and how the 14% would be selected. His book is available from Amazon--and it is a good read. He seems to be approachable on Medium: you can ask him in one of his many articles.