Being more vocal

[Anonymous]

I know its not polite to talk politics, but I am going to start to be more vocal in real life, not just on DCUM, about supporting Obama.

[Anonymous]

Keep your eye on the prize, though. Distinguish between times when it might actually affect someone's vote and times whn it's only likely to lead to bad feelings among friends.

[Anonymous]

OP, I think that's great! I agree with PP that you should be careful so you don't end up losing friends. If you have a facebook or twitter account, that's a good way to get your message to a lot of people, and also gives you a chance to correct some of the misinformation the republicans are putting out there. yes, you will annoy the hell out of some people and some will unfriend/unfollow you, but you might think it's worth it if it influences someone's vote.

As you become more vocal, you will spend more time researching and fact-checking. you will have more credibility if you back up your claims with a source. there is another thread that lists some non-partisan sources. Cite those when you can. Even when you are right, and as much as I love her, citing Rachel Maddow will get you nowhere.

Obama's non-supporters have seen the laundry list of Obama's accomplishments, and simply don't believe it or are skeptical. Hearing you recite the list will not change their mind. So, instead of regurgitating a list of everything he's accomplished, ask people to tell you what specific policy/agenda item they are concerned about. For example, when someone says that they would never vote for Obama, simply ask them why. They will tell you something like "he's a socialist and ACA needs to be repealed!" So you ask them what their specific problem is with ACA. Be ready to calmly and rationally counter their claim with actual facts. If you don't know the facts, tell them you aren't very familiar with that particular issue and will look into it and get back to them. make sure you follow up! The facts are certainly on Obama's side. The man is not a liar. Read through this forum and participate if you aren't already. Lots of practice and will prepare you for some of the topics you might confront face to face.

OP, Sorry if this sounds condescending and if I'm incorrectly assuming you are not used to discussing politics. this is not just directed at you, but anyone who might read this and also wanting to know how to become more vocal without alienating everyone.

Much of this is advice I received at a training session for political campaigning.

[Anonymous]

Please don't. I probably like hanging out with you now, and I don't care who you vote for -- but I will "unfriend" you if you can't shut up about the elections. I am so sick of the elections. Get it out of your system on DCUM please.

[Anonymous]

PS -- actually DCUM is not a useful resource if you want to have political discussions. It is an Obama lovefest here, so there are few "real" discussions. Most posts consist of someone saying how they heard a conservative say "X" on Fox News, then everyone takes 10 pages to say what an idiot that conservative is. BORING.

[Anonymous]

PS -- actually DCUM is not a useful resource if you want to have political discussions. It is an Obama lovefest here, so there are few "real" discussions. Most posts consist of someone saying how they heard a conservative say "X" on Fox News, then everyone takes 10 pages to say what an idiot that conservative is. BORING.

+1

and it is only going to get worse between now and Nov.
Enjoy the Republican Strawmen and Sockpuppets. Any real Republicans probably left long ago...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Please don't. I probably like hanging out with you now, and I don't care who you vote for -- but I will "unfriend" you if you can't shut up about the elections. I am so sick of the elections. Get it out of your system on DCUM please.

If you are so sick of hearing about the elections why are you trolling in this forum?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PS -- actually DCUM is not a useful resource if you want to have political discussions. It is an Obama lovefest here, so there are few "real" discussions. Most posts consist of someone saying how they heard a conservative say "X" on Fox News, then everyone takes 10 pages to say what an idiot that conservative is. BORING.

By taking a page from the playbook of the Right's beloved lyin' Ryan, this post makes it seem like the most toxically vocal on DCUM are on the left end of the spectrum. Hmm.

OP, I plan on sending handwritten postcards to my friends asking them if they're registered to vote and have the appropriate ID as several of them have moved states. They are people who agree with me politically and know that I mean it as a friendly reminder and not a bludgeon. Also, I send a lot of real snail mail to them throughout the year, so it's not like sending crap form letters. Maybe you'd like to do the same with your friends?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Please don't. I probably like hanging out with you now, and I don't care who you vote for -- but I will "unfriend" you if you can't shut up about the elections. I am so sick of the elections. Get it out of your system on DCUM please.

Eh - I probably don't want to be friends with you if you can't bother to give a shit.

[Anonymous]

OP, check out 90reasons90days (or vice versa)--mostly well-reasoned arguments (with some hilarious but still really good ones, like Lemony Snicket's) for people NOT to sit this election out, even if they're disappointed in POTUS, BY people who really care and express themselves brilliantly.