Reply #145: The black and white world of internet politics [View All]

[Cant trust em]

I find that as soon as I get off of the internet and start talking with people in bars or parties they aren't interested in toeing a party line. You win arguments with democratic issues, but not with party labels. It's foolish to believe that all people are going to line up in the good guy or bad guy category, even politicians. You'd be surprised how many people wind up coming to your side as soon as you haven't held up a flag labeling yourself as opposing them. Telling people that they are evil and corrupt is only going to make them dig in farther and put up a more entrenched wall. In order to affect change you have to get them to the table. You attract more flies with honey than vinegar.

John Edwards is right on nearly every answer he gives in a debate. I wouldn't change that. But those are great answers for the people who agree with you. To get people to agree with you who might be on the fence or oppose you, you work on what you have in common first.