Politics and business

[Anonymous]

I'm running for local office and one of my very good friends who had been very supportive, and at first offered to help with my campaign, is now very hands-off, because they say they don't want to get involved in politics, because they are a business, and they don't want to alienate a part of their customer base.

Frankly, I'm hurt. Do you think they are right?

[Anonymous]

Yes.

[Anonymous]

Yes

[Anonymous]

I agree with them

[Anonymous]

You’re not entitled to anyone’s help or support lol

[Anonymous]

Of course they’re right. There are lots of political professionals you can choose from. Frankly better not to involve your friends in these things anyway.

[Anonymous]

Yes - your friend is correct.

[Anonymous]

They're behaving correctly. Politics is polarizing, while businesses need to be the opposite. Businesses which are seen as aligning with political candidates and positions frequently find they have alienated current or potential customers whose politics lie in a different direction. It would be reckless to potentially associate a political candidate and/or their platform with a business which wants to attract the largest possible number of customers without regard to customer political leanings.

[Anonymous]

Politics is the third rail right now. You really can't win - unless you go uber progressive like Patagonia or Nike and know your audience.

[Anonymous]

Think about how Elon Musk has thrown a wrench in Tesla's brand. I 100% would have purchased a Tesla before his purchase of Twitter. Now I can confidently say that I never will.

[Anonymous]

Your friend is 100% spot on.