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Originally Posted by JoeP
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Originally Posted by viscousmemories
... If you have weighed all the evidence to your satisfaction and have concluded that you support Kerry for President, then I just see no benefit in conceding to any criticisms of him at this juncture. After he wins, sure. But during the election it just strikes me as entirely counterproductive.
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Shame on you, vm. That's not free thought TM is it? 
Seriously, I don't see debate among decided definite voters (on the same side or arguing between sides) as having any effect on the outcome of the election. Nor is it really about convincing the undecided "swing" voters. It's all about getting people who couldn't be bothered to vote, but would vote for your choice of prez if they got out there, to do it. |
To be honest I was mostly playing Devil's Advocate. I don't personally approach "friendly" political discussions - election season or not - as battles for the hearts and minds of the participants and lurkers. However it does occur to me that if I were so inclined, doing so would be sound strategy. The more "relaxed and casual" the discussion, the easier it is to catch people with their defenses down and subtly manipulate them to your point of view.
Or so I've heard.
I just think it's naive to ignore the very real possibilty that some people have precisely that aim in mind in favor of believing we're all good, straightforward people trying to have an honest dialogue about issues. As they say, the fact that I'm paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get me.