For starters, every undecided voter in America and those willing to change their vote from R to D if the news remains good and they themselves are doing well through the summer and into the fall. That should be enough to make the needed difference.
Just letting off steam.(good therapy).The good economy that keeps improving will sink in.Voters perceptions are always lagging.But in helps if there is a constant messaging.
Ginny P great point. And to clarify-- I'm not talking about going up to strangers and asking them to vote (I see some comments-- I'm not responding to a rando!) What I mean is asking your children 18+, what are their plans about registering/voting? Same for siblings, close friends. It is shocking how many people actually don't bother to vote and the excuses! Encourage to vote by mail so no same day excuses (like my brother-- oh, the line was too long). Also, nicely explain (especially to your children who you gave life and $$$ to) that voting third party is a vote for Trump.
My husband and I talk about how we will vote and if we choose a different candidate we don't critisize, we just discuss why we think differently. Generally we agree, especially about the Presidential election.
This is my personal complaint with Vote By Mail, which I have enjoyed for 20+ years in Oregon. Women vote differently than men, writ large, but that assumes the privacy of a secret ballot. Many, many domestic relationships are unbalanced in terms of power, and women have learned to choose their battles. Being coerced how to vote doesn’t top that list in difficult relationships.
Oh my goodness, you sweet summer child. I know a woman with an MBA from Purdue, and after her divorce she told me she ALWAYS complied with his voting instructions. I recently participated in a professionally designed political poll (local issue) which included specific voters selected based on gender and location etc for a broad base; all of us experienced men answering the phone who would not allow their female partners to answer the poll, even when we asked for them by name. They wanted to answer for her.
As I find them, yes. The stakes are too high not to do so. As a Germanist I have a habit of speaking my mind and not holding back. Some people like it and are willing to listen and discuss. Others take me off of their Christmas card list. I'm okay with the tradeoff, given the seriousness of the situation.
I usually don't give my opinions.But it's a different story if asked.When I'm writing comments and replies in The Bulwark,it is a whole different story! I also like conversing with other Bulwark readers.
Ginny, you are absolutely right and raise an issue that I've been thinking a lot about lately. In my view, the most effective means at our disposal for heading off disaster is for people like us to have actual conversations with undecided and persuadable voters, particularly those in swing states. Expressing our views in our own echo-chambers is not going to get the job done. I'd love for the Bulwark community (including the writers) to start brainstorming on the best ways to begin communicating with those voters.
It does not matter. I would view it as a great success if each of us could convince one swing state voter who otherwise would have cast a nonchalant vote for Trump to not do so. The margins may be that close and the issues are too important.
BillyVT-- exactly! Just ONE person! Even if you are sure that one person you know in the swing state is going to vote the right way--- they may not have a clear plan about voting (hmm, I can't remember if I registered when I moved, where's my polling place?) or they may be considering 3rd party (wah, Biden is not perfect!). Also encourage them to ask their friends about plans on voting.
Pick newspapers and write letters to the editor. Volunteer time with organizations that do community outreach in ways where exchanges of opinions and presentations of facts are welcomed and encouraged. Leave comments on websites where people have such discussions as these and aren't all-in for MAGA. There are ways to reach others whom we don't know. The key is to be persistent. At some point those undecided or flexible voters can join what they see to what they read or hear and let it influence their choices. We can be their means to that end.
Remember that recent Bulwark Podcast with Charlie talking to Brian Klaas about why everything we do matters? (Go listen to it if you haven't yet. It was fascinating.) Something small that you said or did can prompt someone you don't know to think or behave differently than they might have. You won't even know it but that's ok. The goal isn't extra credit, recognition, or even to know that you influenced someone. You're just trying to help. The trying is the important part.
Another key is to maintain a lack of belligerence, which is hard when the other side is overly endowed. That’s what has made this forum such a pleasure. Unfortunately it’s so rare.
Yes. I've seen ample cases where coming on too strong turns people off and becomes counterproductive. The key is to listen as much as you talk and to have a civil, give-and-take discussion, and to not fly off the handle if someone sees the details differently. I've gotten flexibility out of people by simply stating, "You make a fair point. But I've also found that ...". The truth usually wins out in the end if people are willing to hear it.
I used to meet with customers daily (often with total strangers).Observe and listen.What are their likes and dislikes.Treat them as best friends. Then you can talk.
I try to see it as an opportunity for personal growth, to avoid responding in kind. I’m not sure how I’d rate myself so far. I live remotely and don’t have many contacts with MAGAs in order to practice. I did have one, a couple years ago that evolved into actual friendship for a while, but it turned out there were hidden mental health issues, stemming from childhood abuse, and it ended badly. So, not a representative sample!
For starters, every undecided voter in America and those willing to change their vote from R to D if the news remains good and they themselves are doing well through the summer and into the fall. That should be enough to make the needed difference.
Just letting off steam.(good therapy).The good economy that keeps improving will sink in.Voters perceptions are always lagging.But in helps if there is a constant messaging.
Ginny P great point. And to clarify-- I'm not talking about going up to strangers and asking them to vote (I see some comments-- I'm not responding to a rando!) What I mean is asking your children 18+, what are their plans about registering/voting? Same for siblings, close friends. It is shocking how many people actually don't bother to vote and the excuses! Encourage to vote by mail so no same day excuses (like my brother-- oh, the line was too long). Also, nicely explain (especially to your children who you gave life and $$$ to) that voting third party is a vote for Trump.
"Get your kicks on Route 66".
I don't even tell my wife who I vote for. If someone rando asked me.........
I do .We vote the same.
My husband and I talk about how we will vote and if we choose a different candidate we don't critisize, we just discuss why we think differently. Generally we agree, especially about the Presidential election.
You should tell him that he votes wrong. That should ruffle his feathers.
This is my personal complaint with Vote By Mail, which I have enjoyed for 20+ years in Oregon. Women vote differently than men, writ large, but that assumes the privacy of a secret ballot. Many, many domestic relationships are unbalanced in terms of power, and women have learned to choose their battles. Being coerced how to vote doesn’t top that list in difficult relationships.
Really!? A woman will vote the way her husband tells her in 2024!? That is ludicrous.
Oh my goodness, you sweet summer child. I know a woman with an MBA from Purdue, and after her divorce she told me she ALWAYS complied with his voting instructions. I recently participated in a professionally designed political poll (local issue) which included specific voters selected based on gender and location etc for a broad base; all of us experienced men answering the phone who would not allow their female partners to answer the poll, even when we asked for them by name. They wanted to answer for her.
My mother always went to the polls by herself and never told my dad whom she voted for.
My wife and I are very similar politically, but she's never 100 percent sure about me Lol.
Sounds healthy! Love it!
I’m glad for that. I wish all women felt so empowered. But we know that’s not the case.
As I find them, yes. The stakes are too high not to do so. As a Germanist I have a habit of speaking my mind and not holding back. Some people like it and are willing to listen and discuss. Others take me off of their Christmas card list. I'm okay with the tradeoff, given the seriousness of the situation.
I usually don't give my opinions.But it's a different story if asked.When I'm writing comments and replies in The Bulwark,it is a whole different story! I also like conversing with other Bulwark readers.
I'm mostly referring to all the breaking news coming from retirees interviews in Indiana diners.
Ginny, you are absolutely right and raise an issue that I've been thinking a lot about lately. In my view, the most effective means at our disposal for heading off disaster is for people like us to have actual conversations with undecided and persuadable voters, particularly those in swing states. Expressing our views in our own echo-chambers is not going to get the job done. I'd love for the Bulwark community (including the writers) to start brainstorming on the best ways to begin communicating with those voters.
Sarah has her own way of doing it.
It does not matter. I would view it as a great success if each of us could convince one swing state voter who otherwise would have cast a nonchalant vote for Trump to not do so. The margins may be that close and the issues are too important.
BillyVT-- exactly! Just ONE person! Even if you are sure that one person you know in the swing state is going to vote the right way--- they may not have a clear plan about voting (hmm, I can't remember if I registered when I moved, where's my polling place?) or they may be considering 3rd party (wah, Biden is not perfect!). Also encourage them to ask their friends about plans on voting.
Pick newspapers and write letters to the editor. Volunteer time with organizations that do community outreach in ways where exchanges of opinions and presentations of facts are welcomed and encouraged. Leave comments on websites where people have such discussions as these and aren't all-in for MAGA. There are ways to reach others whom we don't know. The key is to be persistent. At some point those undecided or flexible voters can join what they see to what they read or hear and let it influence their choices. We can be their means to that end.
Remember that recent Bulwark Podcast with Charlie talking to Brian Klaas about why everything we do matters? (Go listen to it if you haven't yet. It was fascinating.) Something small that you said or did can prompt someone you don't know to think or behave differently than they might have. You won't even know it but that's ok. The goal isn't extra credit, recognition, or even to know that you influenced someone. You're just trying to help. The trying is the important part.
Another key is to maintain a lack of belligerence, which is hard when the other side is overly endowed. That’s what has made this forum such a pleasure. Unfortunately it’s so rare.
Yes. I've seen ample cases where coming on too strong turns people off and becomes counterproductive. The key is to listen as much as you talk and to have a civil, give-and-take discussion, and to not fly off the handle if someone sees the details differently. I've gotten flexibility out of people by simply stating, "You make a fair point. But I've also found that ...". The truth usually wins out in the end if people are willing to hear it.
I used to meet with customers daily (often with total strangers).Observe and listen.What are their likes and dislikes.Treat them as best friends. Then you can talk.
I try to see it as an opportunity for personal growth, to avoid responding in kind. I’m not sure how I’d rate myself so far. I live remotely and don’t have many contacts with MAGAs in order to practice. I did have one, a couple years ago that evolved into actual friendship for a while, but it turned out there were hidden mental health issues, stemming from childhood abuse, and it ended badly. So, not a representative sample!