Point: Lisa Labriola
In today’s highly polarized political climate, it seems nearly impossible to have a conversation without escalating tensions. We live in a time when political identity often feels as important as personal identity, and with that comes the risk of viewing those who disagree with us as enemies rather than neighbors. But if we want to preserve the integrity of our democracy and the fabric of our community, we must learn to listen to each other instead of attacking others for their political positions or votes. No.
First and foremost, democracy thrives on diverse perspectives. The exchange of ideas, no matter how different, is the basis of a healthy political system. When we shut down dialogue with personal attacks or refuse to consider the perspectives of others, we rob ourselves of opportunities to learn, grow, and strengthen society. Listening doesn’t mean agreeing, it means respecting the other person’s lived experiences and concerns. Too often political debates devolve into shouting matches and character assassinations, which only further entrench divisions. Rather, it takes true engagement to find common ground and move forward together.
There are also significant dangers in vilifying people based on their political choices. Voting is a deeply personal act, shaped by personal values, life experiences, and understanding of the world. Attacking someone for their vote ignores their complexity and reduces that individual to a caricature of political conformity.
Demonizing people’s political decisions creates a hostile atmosphere that stifles meaningful dialogue and further divides us into factions.
Sage Nauman and I have been fortunate enough to write issue and counter articles over the past few years. You’ve probably seen us go back and forth and justify every month why we disagree. What you don’t see is that we’ve spent countless hours coming up with topics we don’t agree with. Because we have so much more in common and so much more that we agree on. Each political topic we write about has so many nuances that it’s difficult to summarize them in 450 words.
Like many categories of humans, no one group is monolithic with the same life experiences influencing politics.
It’s easy to make assumptions about others and attack others anonymously online, but we should strive to engage in politics with empathy, respect, and a willingness to listen.
When we listen rather than attack, we maintain a space of respect where different voices can be heard and political disagreements do not become personal animosities.
Although Sage and I disagree on politics, I am still honored to call him a friend.
In this election year, let’s not lose our friendship and recognize that there is more to others than politics. If you take the time to listen to their stories, you’ll find that they have more in common.
Counterpoint: Sage Nauman
The formation of our constitutional democratic republic was a liberating elixir for a species trapped by a perpetual cycle of tribalist bloodshed, opportunistic tyranny, and economic stagnation.
When the colonies declared independence in 1776, the idea that people could unite around a set of righteous ideals rather than unchanging characteristics was unprecedented.
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I believe our founding fathers would have cried with joy when they saw what our country had become and the future their words carved out. Thanks to their actions, the world was transformed, liberalized, and democratized. Ever since those wise souls dissolved those political organizations, the diseases of dictatorship and poverty have been fighting a losing battle.
But I fear we are starting to lose our way.
I don’t claim that American politics didn’t always have troubling elements. The ravenous vultures that control our airwaves and information channels are always waiting at our door, preying on our fears. Unfortunately, the numbers of these vultures continue to grow, or at least their voices seem to increasingly drown out the voices of reason and reason.
I remember hearing that former President Barack Obama was going to bring about the apocalypse and form some kind of new world order to end America’s grand experiment. I remember hearing that former President Donald Trump would jail people who spoke out against his rule. I also remember hearing that our country would never survive if Joe Biden became president.
Although none of these prophecies have come true, the fear and despair of millions of Americans has only worsened. The human response to feeling cornered with everything to lose, coupled with a lack of trust in the institutions that form the backbone of our republic, is a dangerous combination.
For many people, politics today is a war. Political violence is becoming increasingly tolerated across the political spectrum.
Americans continue to be isolated from different perspectives. The urge not just to defeat political opponents in elections but to remove them from public life entirely is becoming commonplace.
I’ve had the opportunity to write these little monthly blurbs with Lisa Labriola for quite some time. For years at the State Capitol, Lisa and I worked on opposite sides of the aisle. The debate was heated, the social media attacks were fierce and sharp, and the differences were deep. However, we still remain friends. I can’t imagine how boring life would be if I decided to maintain friendships only with people who agree with my views.
Unlike most Americans, I won’t be voting for either major party candidate in November. Given the chances (approximately 0%) of a third party or independent candidate winning on November 5th, I am confident that I will be disappointed no matter what the outcome is.
Yet, I know that the sun will rise the next day.
The amazing humans who make up our country go to work, send their kids to school, innovate, create, and push the boundaries of humanity toward incredible accomplishments.
Calls for peace and civility may seem a little mundane, but the survival of our republic depends on our people’s ability to dialogue with people who differ in their political ideas and philosophies and to accept election results. I believe it’s up to you (yes, even if you’re on my side you’ll lose) and don’t lose hope for America’s promise.
Love your neighbor, vote, and remember that the sun will rise tomorrow.
Lisa Labriola is a principal at Husch Blackwell Strategies and served on the Senate Democratic staff for nearly a decade. She served as chief of staff to former Senate Minority Leader Lucia Guzman and former Senate President Leroy Garcia. The opinions expressed here are her own and do not reflect the opinions of any other organization. Sage Nauman is a conservative commentator and strategist. He runs Anthem Communications and previously served as press secretary for Colorado Senate Republicans. Follow him on Twitter @SageNaumann.
