What's The Difference Between "Flip-Flopping" And Changing-One's-Mind?

[arwalden]

If someone merely reassesses their position on something based on new information, are they flip-flopping? If they change their mind because they simply reconsider their original "knee-jerk" reaction, and later decide a more rational and compromising position is better suited... are they flip-flopping?

When does the normal decision-making process become flip-flopping as opposed to simply changing one's mind based on new information or additional thought and reflection?

-- Allen

[TheDebbieDee]

1. Flip-flopping is done by Democrats.

Republicans change their minds, or re-evaluate the situation. ; ^ )

[checks-n-balances]

6. I agree; the biggest flip-floppers have been Dems who jumped ship

to become Rethuglicans. Even though Zig Zag Zell hasn't technically joined their ranks, some of W's base is now "flip-flopping" against him, thus making them the biggest flip-floppers in recent political history!

(Edited because I changed my mind, but I did NOT flip-flip!)

[Bluzmann57]

2. The difference is what the repubs tell you it is.

If bush said one thing in 2002, and now says something completely opposite, that is changing ones mind for the betterment of America. If Kerry even slightly changes his thinking on an issue, that is uncalled for and is evil flip flopping. Got it now? I hope so, because I sure as hell don't. edited for too many words.

[ramapo]

5. Don't forget Strong Leadership

Changing ones mind takes a strong will and is a sign of leadership, as long as you're Republican. Dems flip-flop like a fish out of water.

[havocmom]

3. From my observations of news reporting, it seems to be solely based on

party affiliation. Seems us Dems are the only ones guilty of flip flopping according the most media.

Liberal media, my Aunt Hattie's ass! :grr:

[Rowdyboy]

4. Hmmmm....Let's think....

Over time, as our knowledge of a particular situation grows, our opinions may change and mature (at least if you have ANY intelligence). That is called "flip-flopping", and-as noted by the first poster, it is done ENTIRELY by Democrats.

Democrats "flip-flop", Republicans "reassess" the situation

[Bandit]

7. 9-11 changed everything

:shrug:

[Name removed]

8. Deleted message

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[boxster]

9. I've always found the "flip-flop" claim to be somewhat ignorant of...

the realities of life. Conservatives apparently believe that you should decide what your beliefs are at the age of 5, and then never vary from those beliefs, regardless of the changing political climate or changing norms.

People change, and situations change. The job of an elected representative is supposedly to represent their constituents. If the beliefs of the populace change over time, shouldn't our elected representatives take that into consideration?

Though, in a way, that's the essential difference between conservatives and liberals. Liberals are often open-minded and consider all of the available information before making a stand; conservatives, on the other hand, made their decisions decades ago and refuse to consider that new information or beliefs even exist.

Just look at Cheney, Wolfowitz, et al. They're still making decisions based on obsolete Cold War strategies, even though the Cold War has been over for more than 15 years.

[leftofthedial]

10. flip flopping is when

you go down to the beach in your cheap rubber sandals and run around.

changing your mind is when at the last minute you decide not to because of a sewage leak near the beach.



according to the liburl media and the first reply to this thread, Democrats flip flop, but Repuglicants change their minds or react to changing circumstances.