The #1 Reason to Discuss Politics with GOP Loved Ones
Even though it’s really, really hard.
Earlier this week I shared three important political reasons to talk with your Republican loved ones. Each of them — winning elections, passing legislation, and changing American culture — is critical to our nation’s future. Today let’s talk about the goal that underlies them all.
The single most important reason to discuss politics with your Republican family is to strengthen democracy. Having challenging conversations with family members who disagree with you politically can help:
1. Restore faith in our government
A significant proportion of the American public believes the 2020 election was stolen from Donald Trump. As a result, we’re facing what political scientists call a “crisis of legitimacy.”
For democracy to function, voters must believe their voice is being heard and that the people in office are their fairly elected representatives. When that confidence is shaken it weakens the social contract binding allegiance to our laws and norms.
The events of January 6th are an example of what can happen when people no longer believe their government is duly elected — they turn to violent insurrection. We need to talk with Republicans right…
