The Bush Mandate?

Why is everyone saying that the country is so much more divided now than in past years? Clinton was able to claim a mandate when he never received more than 49% of the popular vote.

Bush received a MAJORITY of the popular votes. That hasn't been done since his father won.

Does this mean that Bush has the mandate he is sure to claim? Is the division of the country just media hype?

Its hype said so people will think there is a difference between the two, when their isn't.