Talking to Trumpers: The Reagan guy (MAGA encounter) [View all]
The other day I was walking down the street and saw someone with a "Reagan / Bush 1984" T-shirt on. Guy looked like he was about 30, black glasses, short, neat hair.
I said
"Excuse me"
"Excuse me, sir"
He stopped and looked at me.
Me: "Was it the 1984 campaign that Reagan kicked off by dogwhistling to racists at Neshoba County? Or was that 1980? ...
Oh, it was 1980!!!"
Him: Wheeled around and started walking away.
Me: "...Your party created this president by stoking racism for votes."
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I'm not sure anyone was converted here, but that isn't the point. A ton of Republicans like to wear such Reagan shirts and think the man was a good guy. It's important to reinforce to Republicans that their party's actions -- stoking racism, dogwhistling to racists, white identity politics -- helped create this president.
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- This is one part of a series describing my often (but not always) successful efforts to discuss politics with Trumpers. Hope my experiences help others! Watch for more.