Why trying to sway (some) Bush supporters is important

[antigone382]

Here's a story that I hope will be an encouragement.

My brother (he goes by Sloth, don't ask why :shrug:) and I are both freshmen in college, and we've been working hard "commando campaigning": passing out voter reg. forms, putting up flyers (and putting up more when they get ripped down), and talking to undecided voters and tentative B*sh supporters. Of course, most B*sh supporters are blind to truth and will never be swayed by reason. But I try anyway, partly just because I can't resist a good political smackdown.

Friday after class, "Sloth" and I had a very lively (but friendly) debate with two Bushies, a guy and a girl, trying to explain to them why they should vote for Kerry. We kept hitting them with the facts, refuting each talking point they brought up, explaining the media bias toward Repukes, and presenting them with a lot of things they had no idea about. We talked for about 45 minutes, and while they seemed shocked and dismayed by the things we said, they still weren't convinced to change their vote.

I was very frustrated. What hope was there for the future of the country if people couldn't be swayed by even the most damning evidence?

But when I came back today, I saw the guy we had talked to. He told me that he had thought more about politics this weekend than ever before in his life. Before our debate, he just figured he'd vote for B*sh, but now he had decided against it. He was amazed at how knowledgeable and well-prepared we were (hmmm...sounds familiar...nobody gave *us* the questions ahead of time for *that* debate :evilgrin:).

I know some just don't have the patience to talk to Bushies, and believe me, I understand that. Not only are you dealing with people who have drunk enough Kool Aid to fill a septic tank, but you're asking to be viciously insulted by hardcore freepers. But to those of you that feel inclined to make the effort, I can promise that it's not a wholly wasted one.

[antigone382]

1. OK, I should have posted this in GD: Campaign 2004

Sorry mods, please move if necessary :)