I was at an event this weekend where there were both Republican Party and Democratic Party booths, luckily the event planner was smart enough to put them at opposite sides of the room, and with a booth square in the middle, I was able to observe the behavior and conversations of both. As a people watcher by nature (remember I am a trained sociologist with a background in both philosophy and ethnic studies) I found it fascinating to watch these folks and how they operate. |
Anywho, back to the issue at hand, while I manned my own booth I took my free moments to eavesdrop on the conversations held at both tables. I will tell you it was much easier to listen in on the Democratic Party’s discussion as their passion for everything from education to political leadersl was fervent and their voices continued to raise by an octave or two with each passing hour - for eight hours. By the time the day was nearly finished the folks at the Democratic Party table were nearly shouting their discussion and, trust me, even people outside could hear their take on absolutely everything - they were just that excited about what they believed. |
The Republican Party table, on the other hand, was quiet, reserved, and dignified. The gentleman manning the booth, named John, was doing a great job getting nearly everyone over to his booth by decorously asking the simple question: “Are you registered to vote?” No political rhetoric, no inquiring about a person’s political affiliation, just the slightly probing question about one of an American citizen’s most fundamental rights. Even after another few gentlemen joined him at the booth, the question to passers by remained the same. Never once was there a raised voice or a “political” discussion to be heard from that booth. When I had the chance to talk with John I learned that he was a lifetime NRA member, the treasurer of the Republican Party in his county, and a proud Christian. He was, most definitely, a Trump supporter, but he did not share this with everyone who came up to his table, he and I just had a side conversation when I gave him my husband's card and invited him to be our guest at the shop. |

This type of conversation is not manipulation, it is the easiest and most efficient way to have a conversation with someone you probably don’t agree with on anything. Liberals say some stupid stuff (see examples below), but then again so do conservatives. Long gone are the days of listening to each side of the argument and having an adult discussion about the validity of each side's claims. Both sides are guilty of mudslinging, name-calling, and fact distortion. You, as the conservative, have the opportunity to be the bigger person, to maintain a cool, calm demeanor and perhaps even change a few minds in the process. Don’t let a liberal get your goat, meet them head on with their own logic and a thorough understanding of their point of view - you will come out sounding more congenial, gracious, and informed.