"The difference today is that, in both parties, the very extreme elements control the nomination process"

In this quote, Hamilton Jordan is highlighting a considerable shift in the political landscape. He is mentioning that in the past, extreme elements within political parties did not have as much control over the election process. However, in today's political climate, both parties are being heavily influenced by these extreme components. This suggests that the prospects who are selected to represent their parties are typically more severe and polarizing, resulting in a more divided and controversial political environment. Jordan's declaration functions as an alerting about the dangers of enabling extreme ideologies to dominate the nomination process and the possible effects for the nation as a whole.