Suddenly, hope springs anew. Before Tuesday, the political climate of harsh divisiveness seemed to threaten American democracy's very survival. Instead, the staunchly red state of Alabama showed the world that moderation still has a place in American hearts.

Democrat Doug Jones' victory over Republican Roy Moore in Alabama's U.S. Senate special election is noteworthy if only because it's been 25 years since the state last voted blue. But Alabama Democrats could not have pulled off this result by themselves. They needed enough Republicans willing to recognize the serious harm Moore's extremism would do to our country.

Many Republicans decided simply to stay at home rather than vote for a religious and social extremist and accused sexual predator. The numbers choosing write-in candidates were enough by themselves to deny Moore victory. Others decided they would rather hold their noses and vote for a Democrat than allow someone of Moore's warped sensibilities to assume a Senate seat.

They compromised for the good of the nation, and that's what makes this election historic. Even outside the state, staunch Republicans believed Moore posed greater damage than good for the party and nation. Even David Humphreys, president of Joplin-based TAMKO Building Products and a longtime major GOP donor, threw his financial support to Jones.

In his victory speech, Jones took the high road by emphasizing messages of "dignity and respect" rather than casting aspersions on his controversial opponent. "We have shown not just around the state of Alabama but we have shown the country the way that we can be unified," Jones said.

His remarks came in sharp contrast to the divisive rhetoric used during the campaign by Moore and his two biggest supporters, President Donald Trump and Stephen Bannon, the president's former chief strategist.

Trump chose Election Day to engage in a personal attack on Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., as if to remind Alabamians, especially women, why the nation has taken such a sharp negative turn. Bannon, with a history of giving voice to white supremacist groups, did his best to drive GOP moderates into the Jones camp.

Bannon's "act is tired, inane and morally vacuous. ... Bannon must go! And go NOW!!" Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., tweeted.

Moore did nothing to help his party's cause. His repeated efforts to dismantle the wall between church and state were dangerous for democracy. His alleged sexual pursuit as an adult of teenage women, including a 14-year-old, were particularly repugnant. His wife's clumsy attempts Monday to proclaim the couple's friendships with Jews and blacks only underscored their isolation from mainstream America.

Whether this GOP loss helps chasten Trump is yet to be seen. But for all who serve on Capitol Hill, the result is a clarion call to embrace civility and halt America's dangerous lurch toward political extremism.

REPRINTED FROM THE ST LOUIS POST DISPATCH