Modern Politics question.

So I am 25 years old, the only elections I've been able to vote for have involved Obama. I was aware of the world around me enough to know what was going on for a good chunk of Bush's term(s) - but couldn't vote. When I watch news on TV it generally comes from CNN and/or the Daily Show (I like a good laugh).... but when I am in my car going to/from work I listen to conservative/republican stations; I generally try and get some news from both sides and figure out who is lying more.

With that said,
Since I can remember politics there are the two major parties, each party, when they lose an election (at least for Democrats --> Bush and Republicans --> Obama) shift their focus from "Here is how we can help" to "Here is how we can make the guy we didn't want look bad"...... when did this happen?... Has it always been like this?!

*I am just using one example from yesterday afternoon - Democrats did the same stuff like crazy when Bush was in office - I don't want this to be a Donkey vs. Elephant war *

I was listening to Rush / Hannity the other day driving at lunch and they both agreed that Republicans in the house of reps should take a running leap over the "fiscal cliff" to drag Obama down with them; saying something on the order of, "Take Obama down and make everyone suffer to prove a point" ....... seriously?!

When did everyone become so spiteful that they would sacrifice the country to make one guy who happened to beat them look bad?!.....
Maybe it is just me, but no matter who would have won (Romney / Obama / Kerry / Bush / Gore / McCain / Whomever is next), I want them to do well and keep the ship going straight. I am in the minority who feels a successful USA is greater than the "other side" looking bad?

Again, main question was - Has it always been like this?... or just more-so in recent years?

Thanks!