Why argue politics?

[valkyrie]

This forum has become quite hot and bothered lately, and it seems that pretty much every thread at some point becomes nothing more than one side trying to out-insult the other. We have people insulting presidential candidates and people bringing up the most random crap that really has nothing to do with anything.

What's the point? If people enjoy this sort of thing, that's one thing, but does anybody actually think he or she is going to change anyone's mind? Does saying "John Kerry waffles" or "George Bush is stupid" or "abortion kills babies" really mean anything to anyone?

What's the dynamic behind political argument -- even an argument that's more sophisticated than the majority of what goes on here? Don't we more likely than not already have our minds made up about presidential candidates and the big issues? Why bother arguing about it?

[KSig RC]

Originally posted by valkyrie
This forum has become quite hot and bothered lately, and it seems that pretty much every thread at some point becomes nothing more than one side trying to out-insult the other. We have people insulting presidential candidates and people bringing up the most random crap that really has nothing to do with anything.

What's the point? If people enjoy this sort of thing, that's one thing, but does anybody actually think he or she is going to change anyone's mind? Does saying "John Kerry waffles" or "George Bush is stupid" or "abortion kills babies" really mean anything to anyone?

What's the dynamic behind political argument -- even an argument that's more sophisticated than the majority of what goes on here? Don't we more likely than not already have our minds made up about presidential candidates and the big issues? Why bother arguing about it?

i'm not here to cause no trouble, i just wanna do the arguing politics shuffle

[DeltAlum]

valkyrie,

Damned good question. I get sucked in by the really off the wall claims by both sides and feel compelled to react. Dumb.

I'm still not real impressed with either candidate.

It doesn't appear that there's much room for those of us who consider ourselves moderate or centerist anymore.

[Rudey]

Originally posted by DeltAlum
valkyrie,

Damned good question. I get sucked in by the really off the wall claims by both sides and feel compelled to react. Dumb.

I'm still not real impressed with either candidate.

It doesn't appear that there's much room for those of us who consider ourselves moderate or centerist anymore.

You and I are both moderates who feel endangered by the angry liberals on this forum.

-Rudey

[DeltAlum]

Originally posted by Rudey
You and I are both moderates who feel endangered by the angry liberals on this forum.

I gotta say it. You're on a roll this morning, but some of my best friends...

Oh, never mind.

[chideltjen]

Originally posted by DeltAlum
It doesn't appear that there's much room for those of us who consider ourselves moderate or centerist anymore.

I agree.

[WCUgirl]

I don't mind discussing politics, or even arguing them, but sheesh, when the same people keep repeating themselves over and over it gets old really quickly.

I don't know about ya'll, but I get the impression that Rudey thinks Kerry is a flip-flopper. Call me crazy, but I think he may have mentioned that once.

[KellyB369]

I'll admit that I like to argue. And sometimes, like other people, I have a hard time letting claims I disagree with slide by. But I always play nice and I think everyone else should to.

[astroAPhi]

I hate arguing about politics, because for the most part, you're not going to change anyone's minds. Most of the people who are actually willing to argue this crap know who they're voting for.

[Rudey]

Originally posted by AXiD670
I don't mind discussing politics, or even arguing them, but sheesh, when the same people keep repeating themselves over and over it gets old really quickly.

I don't know about ya'll, but I get the impression that Rudey thinks Kerry is a flip-flopper. Call me crazy, but I think he may have mentioned that once.

Of course I think Kerry is a flip-flopper and a straddler. There is a whole thread on that where not one of you was able to refute it. And I think I spoke better than George Bush when I was 7 and in ESL as well.

I still think I'm a moderate on everything except defense.

-Rudey

[AlphaGamDiva]

oh, b/c it's fun to have a little debate/arguement/cat fight every now and again. and sometimes, you feel like to have to fight to let ppl know that they're not as smart as they think they are.

[Peaches-n-Cream]

Originally posted by Rudey
And I think I spoke better than George Bush when I was 7 and in ESL as well.

This is the funniest thing that I have read in a while.

[PhiPsiRuss]

Originally posted by valkyrie
Does saying "John Kerry waffles" or "George Bush is stupid" or "abortion kills babies" really mean anything to anyone?

Abortion kills waffles. Its true.

[Sistermadly]

Originally posted by DeltAlum

It doesn't appear that there's much room for those of us who consider ourselves moderate or centerist anymore.

Or perhaps more accurately, the definitions for moderate and centrist are becoming narrower and narrower.

But to answer the original question, I argue with right wingers for the same reason I used to tickle the bottoms of my dog's paws when she was asleep. To be as annoying as possible, and because it's fun.

(and that's only partially facetious)

[RACooper]

Because debating politics is useful and constructive... as long as it doesn't get out of hand (like the loony at the bar arguing with Americans today).