I think the Democrats should definitely try to appeal to independants, moderates, and even moderate Republicans. But to suggest that they should be making overtures to try to sway Trump's base is just not realistic.
I think the Democrats should definitely try to appeal to independants, moderates, and even moderate Republicans. But to suggest that they should be making overtures to try to sway Trump's base is just not realistic.
I agree, focus on those who might be reach-able -- but be careful who you write off as un-reach-able. Not everyone voting for Trump is part of his hardcore "base." Also, not everyone who can be reached will be reached the first time you talk to them. There's something to be said for repeatedly, calmly making your case -- also, for listening a lot.
And there's nothing wrong with "making overtures" -- in fact, I think you gotta continue making /some/ kind of overtures -- just make thoughtful choices about how /much/ time and energy you pour into /which/ overtures.
If the people who came before us gave up easily, we wouldn't have what we have.
Fevers break. And we have to make sure that, when they do, people feel like they have something they can come back to (not a snarling mob of "told-you-so".
I agree. The fear that Gary Wiggins delineates is not going to be assuaged by a few reasonable and calm discussions by moderates, either center-left or center-right.
As thoughtful, compassionate human beings, yes, we must NOT berate and ridicule those people who have fallen under the spell of the FOX (and other right-wing media) propaganda. They are locked in their beliefs, just as surely as any religious believers are locked into the beliefs they have been taught since childhood.
Trumpism and MAGAdom have become part of their identities, and challenging anyone's identity presents a psychologically existential threat. Breaking free from any part of one's identity must come from within, by reading and being open to opposing and challenging ideas. Being willing to alter one's identity.
I've foolishly tried to be an opposing viewpoint to Trump supporters, and I learned my lesson. You don't try to mess with someone's identity, even if the identity is delusional and self-destructive.
I think the Democrats should definitely try to appeal to independants, moderates, and even moderate Republicans. But to suggest that they should be making overtures to try to sway Trump's base is just not realistic.
I agree, focus on those who might be reach-able -- but be careful who you write off as un-reach-able. Not everyone voting for Trump is part of his hardcore "base." Also, not everyone who can be reached will be reached the first time you talk to them. There's something to be said for repeatedly, calmly making your case -- also, for listening a lot.
And there's nothing wrong with "making overtures" -- in fact, I think you gotta continue making /some/ kind of overtures -- just make thoughtful choices about how /much/ time and energy you pour into /which/ overtures.
If the people who came before us gave up easily, we wouldn't have what we have.
Fevers break. And we have to make sure that, when they do, people feel like they have something they can come back to (not a snarling mob of "told-you-so".
I agree. The fear that Gary Wiggins delineates is not going to be assuaged by a few reasonable and calm discussions by moderates, either center-left or center-right.
As thoughtful, compassionate human beings, yes, we must NOT berate and ridicule those people who have fallen under the spell of the FOX (and other right-wing media) propaganda. They are locked in their beliefs, just as surely as any religious believers are locked into the beliefs they have been taught since childhood.
Trumpism and MAGAdom have become part of their identities, and challenging anyone's identity presents a psychologically existential threat. Breaking free from any part of one's identity must come from within, by reading and being open to opposing and challenging ideas. Being willing to alter one's identity.
I've foolishly tried to be an opposing viewpoint to Trump supporters, and I learned my lesson. You don't try to mess with someone's identity, even if the identity is delusional and self-destructive.