Thanks for sharing the Union conversation with the Garden Staters. Did you feel that the "door opened a bit wider" as the evening continued? I just attended an event I sort of help organize. This was a major Dem. fund raiser. At the end of speakers and dinner, one gentleman approached me, and told me all politicians are the same.,etc. I followed with "what does democracy mean to you? And how can we build a democracy that works for you and me and all." He came to the event. Must be interested in some way. My area voted 30% for Trump, but our votes helped swing our Congressional district. Flipped the seat--and sent the Republican guy packing so to speak. Some say we are in safe district--not sure. So, I and we keep working.
I appreciate your approach so much. While I am a lifelong Democrat, I’ve found myself skewing Independent since the last election. In some ways, I am disappointed that we haven’t heard a stronger, more cohesive message from the Democrats. But my overarching concern is that I would like to be part of a large movement to defend democracy; one that transcends party lines and ideological differences. Just because Trump dogwhistles his base to do violence against anyone who disagrees with him does not mean the rest of us should ever engage in that level of divisiveness and hatred. I also find I listen most closely to former Republicans. You are able to see the follies of both parties, perhaps with a clearer eye than those of us who have partisan leanings.
Thanks for sharing the Union conversation with the Garden Staters. Did you feel that the "door opened a bit wider" as the evening continued? I just attended an event I sort of help organize. This was a major Dem. fund raiser. At the end of speakers and dinner, one gentleman approached me, and told me all politicians are the same.,etc. I followed with "what does democracy mean to you? And how can we build a democracy that works for you and me and all." He came to the event. Must be interested in some way. My area voted 30% for Trump, but our votes helped swing our Congressional district. Flipped the seat--and sent the Republican guy packing so to speak. Some say we are in safe district--not sure. So, I and we keep working.
I appreciate your approach so much. While I am a lifelong Democrat, I’ve found myself skewing Independent since the last election. In some ways, I am disappointed that we haven’t heard a stronger, more cohesive message from the Democrats. But my overarching concern is that I would like to be part of a large movement to defend democracy; one that transcends party lines and ideological differences. Just because Trump dogwhistles his base to do violence against anyone who disagrees with him does not mean the rest of us should ever engage in that level of divisiveness and hatred. I also find I listen most closely to former Republicans. You are able to see the follies of both parties, perhaps with a clearer eye than those of us who have partisan leanings.