I know you can't change real opinions, but I don't know how to respond

[dubeskin]

So today I was talking politics with some classmates and this girl mentions how she doesn't like McCain or Obama, but would prefer McCain because she trusts him more. Now, like everyone I was talking with they're all fairly intelligent, but I just don't quite know how to respond in the event that Obama isn't trusted. It's not a political issue which I can point out the Republican's failed policies, but more of, how do I convince her that she CAN trust Obama more than McCain?

Anyone else run into a situation like this, and what did you say?

[Motown_Johnny]

1. Ask her to name one thing he has said that wasn't true. I bet she can't

[droidamus2]

2. Not sure

I haven't run into this situation but I think you would first have to ask her why she 'trusts' McCain and why she 'doesn't trust' Obama. Is there a prejudice here, is she really a Republican and this is her talking point for supporting McCain. If she comes back with he's a Muslim, his preacher or his other associations you know she had a big dose of Kool aid and there is nothing you can say to her. Otherise, find out where she is coming from with the trust issue and maybe you can find a way to assure her that her doubts are unfounded. Personally I had somebody mention that ridiculous 'he's a Muslim' line in my office and I just said 'That's a lie' period. No equivocation just that is a lie.

[dubeskin]

4. I actually asked her

And while this doesn't necessarily sound like Kool-Aid, although more like a subtle hidden racism, but the way she sees it is that Obama and Hillary were trying to run on the "First (Black/Female) President." No, she doesn't believe the Muslim label, but from what it sort of seems like, i can kind of see where she's coming from.

I think overall, voters are just distrustful of the whole political process, because of how they have been deceived these past 8 years.

[droidamus2]

5. Okay

Were Hillary and Obama really running on the first woman/black thing or is that just the msm's take on it. Of course considering this is the first time that either a woman or a black person has risen to this level of politics and power in the United States. This is only the very obvious part of their campaigns. Tell her to look at their positions and what other people that know them have to say about them. I think her position of 'mistrust' is pretty weak.

[codjh9]

6. But that sad & pathetic thing is, and I've got relatives who fall back on this bullshit -

just because ONE side has been lying/cheating/stealing/etc., they say 'oh they all do that' when you bring it up. It's the only way they can rationalize they way they vote. I'm not saying ever Dem. politician/CEO/minister is lily-white - I'm just saying that from the news headlines of the past 8 years, it sure as hell looks like it's about 80-20 in favor of the 'moralists' not being very f-ing moral.

[codjh9]

8. Yeah - it's about as valid as people who say they 'don't trust' cats. WTF? What is a cat

going to do, steal your wallet? It goes back to some Middle Ages bullshit about them stealing the breath from babies.

[wildflower]

3. I know what you're saying

You can't really argue opinions formed on the basis of emotion with facts. Here's what I'd do.

Try to see why she trusts McCain and doesn't trust Obama, and try to feel what that's like. Then say you can understand that. Then add, "But," and gently describe some things that bother you about McCain that you just can't shake. Then mention some things that impressed you about Obama that have stuck with you. Let her follow your emotional process in coming to these conclusions.

Anyway, let us know how it goes.

[dana_b]

7. inform her of the Keating 5 - nothing to trust there. n/t

[Emit]

9. First did you ask her why she trusts McCain more?

If you are given specifics, then it's easier to address 'trust' issues with regard to either candidate. FOr example, if it's because she thinks he's not experienced, then bring her a copy of Obama's resume - it's been posted here at DU several times. If it's with regard to a certain way either candidate has voted in the past, then those issues can be addressed, too, by bringing her specific info about how the candidates have voted, comments they have made, or positions they have taken (which can be found on their website). Also, someone posted here at DU the other day -- I think it was actually an attempt to reason with PUMAS - which isn't the point now here, but it had some excellent information concerning the Republican versus Democratic platforms -- a must read in my opinion. That might get her thinking. I'll try to find the links for you.

[Warren DeMontague]

10. My advice? Try, but don't sprain anything over it. The McFundamentalist ticket will lose CA big.

So, really, fuck 'em.

[quakerboy]

11. Whereas

I was hanging out with a disabled vet today. He has mental health issues, and is a childman, and about the least political person in the world, more focused on me and now than any world events. He hopped in my car, and on the radio overheard a snippet about whether McCain would be at the debate or not. His immediate comment "would anyone care?"

I decided to follow it, and further comments from the conversation

What do you think of McCain?
"He really seems to throw a lot of mud."
What do you think of Obama?
"It dosnt seem to bother him, and I don't see him throwing any."
Who would you vote for?
"I think that Black Guy. He seems more honest."

I was floored. I have never heard him have conversation deeper than "I want Chinese food today", in 2+ years of knowing him.