Common ground talking point with a Repub

[Doohickie]

I noticed a Repub coworker had a newspaper open to the debate story so I asked him, "So who won?". He said about even, slight Cheney. We started talking about policy points and he said he was a big supporter of the War in Iraq- that even if some of the intelligence was wrong, he appreciated that the president made the best call he could based on information available at the time. He then went in to Kerry being inconsistent about authorizing the war but not really wanting it, etc., etc., and I knew this is not a guy to be swayed.

Then he opened the door a crack: He complained that the economy is being dragged down by the price of oil, and even offered that the country's priority should be to eliminate our dependence on oil. I pointed out that, due to their roots, B-C would never ever look at alternative energy as they see the world through the eyes of oil men. I also said that Kerry has at least laid out a goal of oil independence. That got me some raised eyebrows and a nod.

I'm not sure if there is any chance to change this guy's vote, but the point is this- I think it is more effective to have respectful, rational discourse with the other side than to argue point by point. If they are clearly brainwashed about Iraq, for instance, they'll only see our truth as a political argument. But if you hang around and just talk things out, eventually you might find out that there are issues that can steer a voter toward K-E.

Like I said, I don't think I changed this guy's vote, but at least I put some doubt in his mind. I have four more weeks; maybe I can get him to come around.

[Frances]

1. Thanks for your good work

I do not have the patience for what you are doing, so I do other things like register people to vote.

If each of us makes a contribution in our own way, maybe we can win this thing and get our country back!

[pacalo]

2. You got that right. I've gotten petitions from the KoolAid crowd who

are very upset about the gasoline prices. Duh, if they'd open their eyes the "kick ass" crowd could see why the coWard is building 14 permanent military bases in Iraq.

[Mika]

3. Get him an Army application

If he supports the war, tell him to go sign up so he can relieve someone serving there who doesn't support it.

[Doohickie]

5. He's a veteran.... He's done his time.

and I thank him for it.

[cheezus]

4. in order to actually change minds, you need to seem on their side

i'm all for the occasional smackdown (especially in front of an audience), but what really works is adopting their perspective and showing how our candidates are still a better fit.

[Doohickie]

6. Maybe not adopting their perspective

but at least trying to appeal to it.