One of the biggest problems that America has is that there’s a side of the political divide that lives, sleeps, and breathes with their ideology at the front of their mind. That’s Democrats. And then there’s the other side, Republicans, plus the fluid middle, both of which prefer to keep their politics discreet and their personal lives as conflict-free as possible. We’re seeing that it doesn’t work, and to disastrous effect.
During interviews to promote my new book, Traitors: The Democrat Party’s Collapse Into Anti-American Filth, I’m usually asked some variation of the question, “What can people do?” I want everyone to read the book, but here’s the answer: To quote a prominent Democrat, “Embrace the suck.”
Everyone reading this is familiar with a particular kind of crippling anxiety experienced only by right-wingers and Republican-leaners. You’re at a dinner or cocktail party or some other social gathering with mixed company, and a political topic comes up, whether it’s about “Trump,” Elon Musk, or, God forbid, Israel.
Should I change the subject? Should I make a joke? What’s the best way to genuflect? I don’t want to upset anyone.
Such is the norm for unassuming, well-meaning right-wingers and centrists alike. Better to offer some vague input, or better yet, say nothing at all, in hopes that the conversation moves on.
That attitude has to end because the Democrat who’s present almost surely has no reservations when it comes to expressing exactly how she feels on the topic, usually in presumptuous, confrontational, and self-righteous ways that serve to intimidate everyone else, or otherwise dare them to say something back. This way, she can really give it to them by calling them racists and fascists. (Or, if she’s in a good mood, you might get by with only a passive-aggressive query as to whether you’re “pro Trump,” followed by the silent treatment and only forced smiles for the rest of the occasion.)
For too long, we — I certainly include myself — have been under the false belief that skirting political confrontation in mixed company and social settings is the right thing to do. Who wants to fight? Who wants to make anyone else present feel uncomfortable?
The left doesn’t mind at all. They never do. They will speak up regardless of whether anyone else does. They’re already sure they’re right. They’re just as sure that everyone else present agrees with them, and if not, that’s a person who shouldn’t have been invited to be in their presence at all.
To give them a pass by attempting to change the subject or diffuse underlying tension is to cede the issue altogether.
Incentives to avoid interpersonal conflict of the political kind are strong. It keeps people happy. It keeps you in good favor with those you enjoy. But we’re at a point in time where it’s more important to demonstrate that we don’t fear others knowing our convictions. They should know, especially when those convictions are in contradiction with others who have no qualms in expressing their own.
Confrontation isn’t the same as hostility or aggression. Anger isn’t required in explaining your views, but confidence is key. Democrats can’t be permitted to dominate political conversations in social settings. If they are, as they do now, everyone else who disagrees is made to feel that much more demoralized and isolated. That makes a big difference in our national discourse, our culture, and, ultimately, our elections.
Our strategy to win elections has to include comfort with discomfort in our personal lives. When the conversation at a party or social gathering turns to politics, embrace it.
