I won one.

[lapislzi]

A tiny yet monumental victory, to be sure.

Many of you have read my anecdotes about my admittedly zany office. We are fortunate to be with a small, progressive company whose owners genuinely care about the welfare of everyone in the organization.

Although we (as individuals and as an organization) generally lack any concept of political correctness, I think it is no accident that we are also notably devoid of doctrinaire Republicans. We have some mildly conservative centrists, a libertarian, and one or two who are wholly apolitical. But the largest majority of the people working here are outspoken, progressive Democrats. Political talk is frequent, open, and uncensored.

We have had Tea Party Lady with us for two decades--since way before the trend went mainstream. She still has the first dollar she ever made, and vocally supported Bush and McCain. I had long since given up hope of changing her mind. We are good friends, and have had an "agree to disagree" policy for as long as I can remember.

Earlier this summer, she expressed strong doubts about Romney. Her criticisms became stronger and more frequent. I asked her if the debate had made her reconsider. "Yes," she said, "I'm voting for Obama. Romney is nothing but a phony who only cares about himself and his money." (Actually, she used some pretty strong language).

We won one. And that is how elections are won--one mind at a time.

[hedgehog]

1. You did it wrong. you should have accused her of being a "moran" first and then taken it from there

( )

On a more serious note,

[treestar]

2. Good on you!

That's pretty good! It looks like that debate had the opposite effect on at least one person, than the effect constantly worried over in DUland.

[Maraya1969]

17. I've talked to a few people and they all said they found Romney obnoxious. And they hated

the way he kept interrupting the moderator and Obama. I think the "winning" thing is possibly more of a media grab than anything. I mean they have to run on something so they found something to run on for a week. And maybe that skewed the polls. But all the new videos and ads of Romney's lies will bring him back down to the shit level he was at before, soon enough.

[monmouth]

3. I remember you talking about her, at least I think it was you. Wow, good on ya..n/t

[wildeyed]

4. It's nice that you two are civil.

And even nicer that she is voting Obama this year!

[lapislzi]

5. I'll take it where I can get it.

Although she is still a dyed-in-the-wool fiscal conservative, I can see her hardline social values softening. She is developing an empathy that she did not heretofore possess.

I don't know how much I have to do with this except inasmuch as I do my utmost to set a good example.

I have found that belittling a person's views doesn't do much except put them on the defensive. I always try to use the phrase, "I can see why you might think that..."

I try.

[wildeyed]

12. That is wonderful that she is softening a bit.

Probably being around a liberal who she likes and respects and returns that feeling does not hurt.

The most interesting and helpful grassroots activist training I ever did was on persuasion. And that is basically it. There is no upside to making people defensive. You have to gently lead them to you position through emotion, not logic. I actually suck at it, but I understand what I do wrong

[Tigress DEM]

19. Well, if she wants fiscal responsibility, she'll get it with Obama sooner than with Robme.

[davidthegnome]

6. Hmm, worth consideration that

being civil to (and respectful of) our political opponents (no matter how ignorant or stupid we may find them to be) just might have a positive effect.

One mind at a time... yep. While I'm frequently poking fun at conservatives, I do find that I respect and like a number of republicans - it's worth the effort, to change their minds and inspire their hearts whenever we can.

[Auntie Bush]

7. I wish I could win over 3 of my siblings...that would make my day.

It's possible my sister could be changed...but not my 2 brothers. My sister & spouse will be staying with me for 10 days the last week s in October...so I hope to change her mind. Will let you know how successful I am. Wish me luck...every vote counts...if it's counted. lol

[babylonsister]

16. My brothers are like your brothers; I consider them lost causes,

drank too much kook aide, no getting through to them. Luckily my two sisters and Dad are as liberal as I am.

[HopeHoops]

8. K&R

[marions ghost]

9. this is the segment of the pop we need to win over

The rich are never going to come around...

[Care Acutely]

10. Whoa. My advice? Focus on the positive, when O does good, share it.

Like when the administration pushes for expanded care for veterans and their families, stuff like that.


GOOD JOB!

[RichGirl]

11. I hope you took her out to lunch....

or maybe tomorrow run up to 7-Eleven for a donut and her fave beverage in an OBAMA cup.

[lapislzi]

13. Better than that!

She took ME out to lunch recently to tell me how much she values our friendship over the years. She is considerably older than I am, but has a great zest for life that I think is what's helping to turn her mindset around. She has also recently joined a liberal church and has invited me to attend. Even though I'm an atheist, I may go just to be nice.

She is an avid gardener, so I bring her cuttings now and then.

[deaniac21]

14. Tea Baggers everywhere are

changing their minds. They started up as a protest to the AHA and now that they see how good it is they are hopping onboard!

[porphyrian]

15. Awesome. n/t

[Cha]

18. And, after the Debate, Too!!

Thanks for plugging away, lapisizi!

[libodem]

20. Touches me funny

Oddly makes me smart up with a couple of tears.