Over the next few weeks there will be a lot of jawing about who we should vote for to be our President. Those supporting the Big O and Joe are very zealous and agressive in regards to their candidates. Not to mention -- very emotional. It is very difficult to dialogue, so in many respects you have one opportunity before they get angry or turn you off. So how do you talk with them and what should you say, here are a few suggestions:
1) Don't get upset or rattled. I am not sure why they are this way, but there is a level of anger in their voice. I don't know why or who they are mad at! Proverbs tells us -- "A soft answer turns away wrath."
2) Don't try to go thru issue per issue. The Big O is basically presenting a platform which gives or at least promises all kinds of perks for the people. If you want to govt to give you more, you are taken by that. Trying to go thru each issue is basically going thru a Christmas list and how do you speak negatively about Santa Claus.
3. Start with QUALIFICATIONS. That is painful. Ask them what he has done. What legislation. What programs. What accomplishes. What has he led, begun, started, organized (a community?); what has he done??? There is usually quiet, awkward silence, maybe this is where he will get angry. BUt the point is -- he has no real experience.
4. Ask why he picked JOE? They will probably say -- "Joe's experience and ability to handle foreign policy?" So he needed someone to "make up" for his lack of experience - please refer to #3.
5. Ask why BO did not pick Hillary? Picking her would have guarenteed a victory? The reason is that he is so intimidated or insecure about having someone of Hillary's capabilities and gravitas -- again that does not speak well about his confidence to lead.
6. Ask him if Obama is the candidate of CHANGE -- if he is going to stop "business as usual" and be the great community builder in the giovernment and bring everything together -- why did he pick Joe Biden? Fact: the most liberal voting member of Congress - BO - next Kennedy - next Kerry -- fourth Biden! They have not reached across the aisle very much....also Change? Biden has been in the Senate - 36 years -- if he couldn't get anything changed in 36 years -- why would we think he can do that now? Then pause and let them answer...
7. Ask what they think is the three or four BIG ITEMS that make up Obama's and McCain's philosophy? They might be able to list off Obama's position but not McCain -- explain both and contrast them fairly and simply. Then point oput that if you are going to support one you should know what the other person believes....challenge them to examine McCain's life, experience, record and ability to lead before locking into one candidate.
8. Finally ask them what there view of the abortion issue is...be respectful of there position and don't debate them. If they are pro-life this is a slam dunk, but more than likely they are pro-abortion. Seek to understand at what level they are pro-abortion -- do they believe that it is ok to abort a baby at any time before birth -- they might so don't be surprised. But then ask them if a child came out of the birth canal and was on the table alive, but the mother did not want the child, would it be ok to terminate the baby's life? Unless they are complete inhuman (if so, say thank you and walk away but keep looking over your shoulder) -- they will tell you absolutely not. When they do tip their hand of the level of morality they hold to, explain to them that Obama voted against a bill that would protect the live of a child born alive while doing a late term abortion -- how do they reconcile that moral insensitivity in regards to a man they are supporting for president?
How it helps....the most imprtant thing is that you need to know the issues. JM