How do you discuss politics without turning people off?

[K-W]

I am generally very unsuccessful in my attempts online or in person to discuss politics with conservatives or unegaged people. It seems that as soon as the subject is turned to politics 10,000 walls go up. People stop being curious and become closed minded. I am sure that I probably have similar reactions myself.

How do you discuss this special subject, especially when you yourself have strong convictions?

What is the best way to approach a conservative to discuss politics so that you can at least make some headway?

How do you deal with someone who has been conditioned to turn off thier rational mind when the subject of politics is addressed?

I think word of mouth is one of the most powerful forces we can use to effect our society, why dont we share our strategies, problems and solutions on how to approach our fellow citizens.

[Fixated]

1. ....

With conservatives, in person, I'm very sarcastic and condescending. On message boards etc I'm very polite and easy on them. With people who aren't interested I don't bring it up. I know a LOT about economics and geopolitics for an 18 year old, and most kids don't wanna hear about it, so I don't shove it down their throats.

[vetwife]

8. I discuss politics with everybody !

Depends on where I am but always work it into conversations even with strangers. Supermarket...Look at that milk price? What in the world is going on? Oh I forgot we are paying for that War that shouldn't be. Most people nod and with casual acquantances, I say "Have you heard my "Take it Back Cd" I don't have to say anything else if they take it. The dirt is all on there ! Sometimes, people ask fro an autograph and I give it. I ask people if they would like to get some information they probably didn't know. I play a little bit of the CD from my car or house or wherever, and then sell it to them right then and there ! I have had people at the hospital, schools, a lot of places ask me to tell them more and I tell them to come here to DU or just start paying close attention to where their money is going. That always makes them want to talk. And......I am always cordial. A wingnut and we got plenty of them will walk away but a middle of the roader will talk and want to know more. But a few die hard republicans have been changed. I have also used scripture. Blessed are the Peacemakers. I do everything I can. I tell them to listen for me on the Guy James Show. Or C-Span or visit my website. I always ask "Do you believe you and we as a people are better off than we were 4 years ago? Honestly? if they bring up the 9-11..There is the opening..but no connection to the war in Iraq except for Bush and his business deal with the Ben Laden Family..No connection to Saddam. Just Osama. We are hated now more because Bush took his eye off the ball in Afghanastan and went after the wrong guy in a different war. Work it in. We got faith in ya !

[alcuno]

2. My strategy is effective.

I simply ask pointed questions in order to make people think. I'm not in it to win but to create doubt. I believe that that's all we need to do, and with this administration, it shouldn't be very difficult.

When people try to turn the conversation to Kerry or Clinton, I say that I can't worry about them because they are not the one in charge.

Remember to express doubt and transfer that doubt to others. Don't try to win with someone who has strong beliefs. Rather, use questions to get them to doubt their own beliefs. This is what defense attorneys do in the courtroom - create doubt.

[SpiralHawk]

16. I also ask questions -- in a non-accusatory way

And when it comes to giving my opinion to RW types, I simply say that BushCo's behavior (in whatever the question might be) raises questions for me, deep questions. I hope that will raise questions for them.

I also make a point of correcting false or misleading "facts" that come up in disucussion. But you need to point to a source when you do that...

[stavka]

3. Start of with, "How's it going?"

[x-g.o.p.er]

4. I try to respectfully point out the fallacy and hypocrisy

of their party leadership. And then when they try and say that a Republican could better handle the economy, I point out Clinton's economic record, which is even more impressive than Reagan's, because although Reagan spoke wistfully of balancing the budget, William JEfferson Blythe actually did it.

[Shoe2]

5. Unrelated

I am a newcomer to this site and altho I am interjecting an unrelated response into this thread, I ask that you all excuse my interruption, and allow me to ask a straightforward question, which if answered will settle a point of discussion in a political argument. When Ashcroft ran for re-election to the senate, who was leading in the polls immediately prior to the tragic death of Mel Carnahan. Was the election close at that point in time?

[madrchsod]

7. don`t know

go to the state forums and ask those from Missouri

[x-g.o.p.er]

12. First off, Welcome to DU!!

I believe that Carnahan was ahead, but all the polls were within the margin of error. My recollection is that the race was within 2-3 points, and most "experts" figured two things: that the race was too close to call, and that once Carnahan died, people would switch to Ashcroft.

No one figured that Carnahan's wife would jump in and be such a sympathetic figure, and she won. But then Jim Talent beat her in her attempt to hold the seat in 2002.

[beavus]

6. I don't discuss politics with anyone

in real life, because there is nothing anyone can say to change someone's beliefs. I would be wary if someone DID change their beliefs so flippantly by mere words from someone with an agenda.

[x-g.o.p.er]

13. No one flippantly changes life long beliefs...

It's a gradual process..an awakening, if you will. But people do change their points of view.

Hell, look at Ronald Reagan. He was an FDR democrat, but is lionized as the leader of the conservative "revolution."

[randr]

9. You say "The treat to the nation has never been more dire

and * is responsible for the current situation that will not get better before we work our way out of it!

[seabeyond]

10. two responses generally

if i have differing view, they shut down, or if they see i have info beyond them they shut down. generally i have a person shut down. occassionally i will have someone actually listen, amazed what is up. generally i keep mouth shut til explode, then it is whoever is standing there that gets it

maybe closer to election people will be more open to listening

[grasswire]

11. it can work

I have had some success recently in an online forum by telling some old chums there who are long-time Republicans that I care too much about them to allow them to continue to be bamboozled, and that I will dog them until they come around. I don't care if they become Democrats, but I want them to see the truth about how Bushco has hijacked their Republican party and is destroying America's place in the world. One has fully converted, largely because of attacks on the Constitution from Bushco that I have continually pointed out to him. Another is repulsed by the Abu Ghraib stuff and won't vote for Bush. Yet another one won't say much except that he no long supports Bush. Every day for months I have kept at it. They know I'm not giving up.

So it is possible to change some people's minds with persistence and facts, done with good humor and diligence.

[kiahzero]

14. Don't argue the small shit

I sometimes give people a pass on stuff that is almost certainly wrong, so that I can use that assumption against them.

For instance, if someone's for smaller government, one can show how Republicans are actually spending more, and we're not even getting healthcare or anything out of it.

[stavka]

15. Excellent idea...Are you better off than you were four years ago?

I sure as hell no I am not - financially, security wise, happiness etc.

The Country is a worse place than it was four years ago.