Why I'm NOT interested in "listening" or "understanding" MAGA

[AStern]

I often hear calls for "listening" to different perspectives, and in many areas of life, I absolutely agree. Dialogue matters. But I want to be clear about something: I'm not interested in "listening" to MAGA supporters—not because I fear different opinions, but because I’ve heard the message loud and clear.

I'm not going to pretend that homophobia, racism, misogyny, xenophobia, cruelty, or the open desire for revenge are just "political differences." They're not. They’re expressions of hate and dehumanization, and no amount of debate will turn that into something respectable or valid.

This isn't about being closed-minded. It's about protecting my energy and drawing a line between what’s a difference in opinion and what’s a difference in morality. Some ideas don’t deserve a platform. And I don’t owe anyone my time or empathy when their worldview denies the humanity of others.

[cbabe]

1. Thank you. My local npr station put on an hour of republicans as if they were normal. And

listeners were expected to listen up or be accused of being close minded or whatever.

There are not good people on both sides.

[Basso8vb]

2. I care not for what nazis think.

[no_hypocrisy]

3. It's akin to not listening to narcissists try to

justify themselves. Nothing constructive.

[Aristus]

4. Same here.

I'm sick of all the ostensibly well-intentioned calls for us to "reach out" to the MAGAs. Try to see things from their perspective, and understand why they believe what they believe.

It's horseshit. They believe they're superior to everybody else because they were born with white skin; no other reason. Intellect means nothing to them. Reason and logic mean nothing to them. Genuine excellence and accomplishment mean nothing to them. Empathy not only means nothing to them, they're actively being told that empathy is wrong, it's bad, and it what motivates the people they hate so much (that part at least, is true.)

I don't need to "understand and sympathize" with the MAGAts any more than I need to try to reason with a coked up chimpanzee. I'm tired of people telling me I should.

[CTyankee]

58. Me, too. I don't wanna hear their half assed reasons for voting R. However, I will gladly say to them:

I TOLD YOU SO! when things go very badly for them.

[blueseas]

63. And it will

Rural areas where some live are in for an awakening

[AllyCat]

72. I just don't think they will awaken. It is the nature of a cult.

They will blame any Dem, past or present, but never their orange lord.

[CTyankee]

74. If it's a waste of time, I wouldn't engage further.

[Mountain Mule]

60. I could not agree with you more!

MAGAs have absolutely no interest in being "reached out to." They are filled with hate and they believe every single word t***p says. The only thing that they hate more than migrants is Democrats. They marinate themselves in hate radio and the news according to Fox. They are completely ignorant and proud of it. You cannot reason with someone who is a member of a cult and boy are they ever. I wash my hands of them.

[thucythucy]

5. And since when have MAGA or the GOP ever been interested

in listening to us?

Add most of the media to that list as well.

I've heard their "views" a thousand times over. When have they ever bothered to hear about ours?

[LoisB]

6. Excellent. I agree.

[Efilroft Sul]

7. My uncles understood people who defended similar beliefs. And they sent them all to early graves 80 years ago.

If MAGA forgets its history, perhaps it needs a refresher course.

[Midnight Writer]

8. I do talk to MAGA every day and have all along. I listen to what they have to say.

These are people I've known all my life. These are people I live around, work beside, work for, socialize with. Some of them are people I love.

And they are all full of shit. I mean, we're talking squirrel-shit nutty.

You can't win an argument when the other person's response is "Because God said so!"

Most don't seem too involved in politics. To them, MAGA is an extension of their religion and their patriotism. It is based on faith, and you do not question faith.

The hardcore are full of facts and statistics, but their facts and statistics are made up bullshit they got online or picked up on Hate Radio (talk radio is still a big thing around here).

As it has been said, the problem is not what they don't know. It is what they do know that just ain't so.

[Martin Eden]

9. Might those people have different beliefs if their news sources were more like Reuters and CBS...

... and their church focused more on the Gospel of Jesus rather than culture wars?

[Midnight Writer]

15. Most don't watch news or belong to a church. They listen to talk radio, Facebook, and prosperity Gospel.

They were taught as children to always be good Christians and patriots. But their concept of Christianity means wearing a cross and your faith on your sleeve. Their concept of patriotism is sloganeering such as My Country Right or Wrong! Love It or Leave It! Build the Wall!

It is no wonder that unscrupulous operators (read Republicans) exploit their faith-based worldview.

As they say, wrap it in a flag and slap a cross on it and they'll eat anything.

[Martin Eden]

21. What we're really up against is decades of "conservative" propaganda

Their beliefs may be shallow, but the indoctrination runs deep.

[blue_jay]

30. And many who only have over the air (OTA) antennae get

mostly Christian channels and other obscure stuff. Am assuming they choose to get tv signal for free or can't afford the cable or satellite. Surely this doesn't help the situation but it's not like MSM is full of balanced opinions even if you pick the better sources.

[aggiesal]

10. Amen means I agree, ...

So here's a big fat

[blue_jay]

32. Amen!

Needed that mental diversion. Go Cubs go!

On a more related note, some days I just can't take the reminders of their idiocy and immorality. Am surrounded by people who totally fit that description. Today is one of those days.

[kentuck]

11. In hindsight, "Deplorables" sounds like such a charitable nickname.

They are much worse than "deplorable".

[Hotler]

12. Freedom and democracy or fascism and dictatorship.

There is no in between, middle of the road or common ground.

[AllaN01Bear]

13. i dont want to hear their whining when the cost of stuff goes up in 4 weeks time . u get what u pay 3.

[Johonny]

14. MAGA voter opinion, egg prices are too high

Trump says, suck it up eat less eggs for a higher price.

MAGA voter opinion, eggs should be more expensive. I have too much money as it is.

[Coolgoober]

16. Here, here

Thank you AStern. I couldn't have said it better myself. Hate is so exhausting.

[Cirsium]

17. Abuse

MAGA = abuse. There is no reason any of us should allow ourselves to be abused.

[hadEnuf]

18. MAGA is nothing of substance.

It's a haven for bigots, haters, screwballs, Nazis and all of their ilk and garden variety assholes. It's like an x-rated cartoon.

Nothing that comes out of MAGA even resembles a valid political opinion. It's simply anarchy.

[love_katz]

19. Being tolerant of intolerance doesn't work.

Tolerating intolerance just encourages the bullies to do more bullying.
They get a big NOPE from me.
MAGAts whine about the price of eggs and gas, while driving $150, 000 + super jacked up coal-rolling gas guzzling monster trucks, buying AR 15 rifles and guns galore, multiple boxes of ammo, desert camouflage clothing when they live in Florida, and plenty of ciggys and beer.
They blame single moms and brown people and the "gubmint" for handing out (supposedly) "free stuff", and give their money and votes to the very people who are the actual cause of their troubles.

I don't feel sorry for them at all. Tolerating their intolerance is likely to have the same kind of outcome as French kissing a rattlesnake.

[calimary]

28. Your last paragraph says it all, love_katz.

Certainly speaks for me.

“I don't feel sorry for them at all. Tolerating their intolerance is likely to have the same kind of outcome as French kissing a rattlesnake.”

And make no mistake. WE ALL definitely DO "understand" MAGA. It's not a difficult task and it's VERY easily accomplished, and you kind souls have made sure it's always right there in our faces, so it's impossible to miss or overlook.

[misanthrope]

62. Intolerance is a violation of the social contract

Karl Popper outlined all of this long ago, that intolerance ends up shredding any tolerant society that abides it. That's why philosopher John Rawls argued that exceptional circumstances require a just society to tamp down intolerance that threatens the security and liberty of residents as a matter of that society's self-preservation.

[waterwatcher123]

20. Amen - could not agree more.

[Joinfortmill]

22. Amen.

[yonder]

23. Great post!

[SSJVegeta]

24. Im sure there's a secret formula for turning many. I havent found it yet but will report back if I do

[Oopsie Daisy]

25. I remember how some folks try to tell me that I needed to "understand" the folks who voted "Uncommitted" as well as *

certain individuals and politicians who were encouraging them to do so. And it wasn't just a one-off emotionally driven or lapse in judgement either. These were the same folks who boo'd Hillary, refused to endorse the Democrat, and who continually promoted the lie that "both parties are the same". And so far, as best as I can tell, there has been no expression of regret, or admission of mistake, or apologies.

I cannot forgive nor forget their treachery and disloyalty... yet, for some reason, I'm expected to "understand" them and validate them and not alienate them.

Ha! Fat chance!

[haele]

40. I understand them just fine ..

They're the type that makes a disaster situation all about themselves. Or stand around watching others rush in to pick up the slack, criticizing if things aren't "being done right" without making a move to help themselves.
Cowards, thoughtless followers, self centered, privileged bubble inhabitants, professional victims, "pick me"s, or blithely unconcerned so long as it's not them in trouble.
That's what they are.
But, who am I to judge?

[Oopsie Daisy]

41. Excellent post.

>> But, who am I to judge?
With that plain-spoken sentiment, rest assured that you speak for me, and many others as well.

[c-rational]

26. Well said!

[ScoutHikerDad]

27. BINGO!

This times a thousand!!

[RockRaven]

29. Also because they have little to no principles or factual basis, they will say anything

to justify the hateful and bigoted conclusion that they begin with, just like their Dear Leader. It is totally pointless to attempt to have a substantive conversation with such people, there is no substance there worth the effort to find.

[elocs]

36. You can't talk cult members out of believing in their cult leader. No logic or persuasion will work.

What would have worked: Being more vigilant, less complacent, and not underestimating the magas in thinking they were just a bunch of ignorant dumb-asses.

[karynnj]

31. I seriously doubt that MAGA has ever been asked the same thing about us

Out of power, they focused on their supposed mistreatment. In power, they spoke of retribution for every slight they ever felt.

[llmart]

33. I haven't listened to them since the first go-round.

Actually, since most of them are what they used to call "teabaggers", I stopped having anything to do with them before they rebranded as "magats".

I'm old and have no patience or desire to have anyone like that in my personal realm. I value my mental health too much.

[KPN]

34. Excellent exprrsdion of how I feel. Thanks for thr words.

Booknarked!

[IthinkThereforeIAM]

35. I agree...

... and if you attempt discourse with, "them", you end up with your sensibilities violated, ie... reopening Alcatraz... the place is crumbling from the sea salt in the air, among other things. There are about 5 reasons that anyone "sensible", could identify in a minute as to not even thinking of such a ridiculous proposal.

[Nasruddin]

37. Not completely pointless

They are not a steady state. There are shifts in consensus, fads, and factions competing against each other.
There are also leaders of these factions including the Big Kahuna who are trying to channel them.
It can be useful to get some idea of this - it's like the weather, only a kind of weather that's malevolent and largely runs on grievance.

[TheProle]

38. It's understandable and it's often personal since they are the other major party nationally.

However, diplomacy and co-existence often require us to listen and sometimes even cooperate with those with even abhorrent ideologies.

Iran's government, for instance, is homophobic, sexist and anti-semitic, hangs gays from cranes and funds terrorism around the world.

We still talk to them and negotiate with them. Democrats rightly skewered the right when they feigned outrage at President Obama's suggestion that he might sit down with Iran.

Going into a bubble might be satisfying as an individual, but in the grander scheme of things, it stalls progress.

[AStern]

39. I appreciate the tone you're aiming for,

...and I agree that diplomacy has a place in international affairs—even with governments whose values we deeply oppose. But I think your analogy misses the mark.

Engaging in diplomacy with hostile foreign powers like Iran is a strategic necessity to prevent war, reduce harm, and manage global stability. It's not a moral endorsement of their ideology. It's transactional and often done with a clear-eyed understanding of who we're dealing with.

Domestic politics is different. MAGA isn’t a foreign adversary—we're talking about a political movement within our own country that actively undermines the rights and safety of marginalized groups, spreads conspiracy theories, and increasingly rejects democratic norms. I’m not obligated to give space or energy to ideologies that seek to erase people’s humanity—especially under the guise of “balance.”

Dialogue only works when there's shared respect for truth, democracy, and basic human dignity. Without that, it's not a conversation—it's a normalization of harm. Choosing not to engage with that isn't a "bubble." It’s a boundary.

[EdmondDantes_]

55. And do you think what we're currently experiencing isn't a form of war?

Taking a literal and metaphorical chainsaw to government, killing the department of education, etc. An individual choosing to not engage might be a boundary, but in case you haven't noticed we don't have a majority in any elected branch. Some of those people feel we cut them off first. Whether it's feeling like we abandoned men for women, middle to lower class white people in favor of minorities, straight people in favor of LGBTQ+. We live in a system where everyone has a vote. Right now, we're struggling to get enough votes. How does cutting everyone off who doesn't agree with us fix that problem? Equally importantly how does it help the disadvantaged? If we're in the minority it's hard to protect abortion, immigrants rights, LGBTQ+ rights.

As a party, we can't afford to just ignore anyone who voted for Trump.

[AStern]

56. We're not ignoring people--we're refusing to center or legitimize views that attack basic rights.

There’s a big difference. Chasing MAGA-aligned voters doesn’t just fail—it actively demotivates the Democratic base. We win by standing firm and energizing the people who actually believe in justice and democracy.

[Kingofalldems]

42. So you want us to sit down with Nazi fascists?

[TheProle]

45. I offered an alternative viewpoint to the OP

Don't put words in my mouth. There are inroads that can be made into Republican and Independent voters and those should not be ignored. That's my point.

If you consider everyone outside of the mainstream Democratic party a Nazi/Fascist, that's your perspective to deal with as you see fit.

[AStern]

52. I hear this argument a lot--that there are "inroads" to be made with Republicans and Independents--but...

but it’s mostly wishful thinking at this point.

Let’s be honest: most Independents lean right but avoid the label because they want to seem above the fray. And chasing after Republican voters by dragging the Democratic Party to the right has consistently backfired. It demoralizes the base and alienates the very people Democrats need to turn out—those who want real, material policies that help the middle class, the working poor, and the marginalized.

MAGA Republicans aren’t interested in compromise. They’re invested in power, cruelty, and control. Independents often enable that by pretending to be neutral. I’m tired of seeing Democrats cave to either group. It's not strategic—it's self-defeating.

Real progress doesn’t come from pandering. It comes from standing firm in values that serve the many, not appeasing the few.

[TheProle]

53. If you can point to where I said to pander to anyone....

I will most definitely edit, but such a post does not exist.

[AStern]

54. You may not have explicitly said "pander,"

but suggesting we should prioritize making inroads with Republicans and Independents—especially in response to a post about not engaging with MAGA—implies just that. It frames outreach to groups openly hostile to core Democratic values as a strategic necessity, rather than recognizing when that effort becomes appeasement or a waste of energy.

It’s not about twisting your words—it’s about addressing the real-world implications of constantly shifting focus toward voters who’ve shown us time and again where they stand. That kind of thinking has pulled the Democratic Party away from its base, not toward sustainable wins.

[Bengus81]

76. That's what Newsom wants to do if I'm reading it right. Especially about the Democratic

views and ideology being "toxic".

[AStern]

77. If that's the route Newsom wants to take, more power to him.

He can try to reach those voters if he thinks it’ll work. Maybe he sees something I don’t. But I’m not wasting energy on that—I've seen how that strategy plays out, and it usually goes nowhere. I'd rather focus on the people who already believe in what we're fighting for and make sure they show up.

[Kingofalldems]

43. Kick this for the MAGA trolls.

[Skittles]

66. heh

if they can take a break from defending cybertrucks, tariffs and vulture capitalists

[Blue Owl]

44. And clearly they aren't interested in listening to other opinions, or capable of empathy....

[CaptainTruth]

46. What we should understand is how decades of right-wing propaganda created MAGAts...

... & what we can do about it.

As long as RW propaganda (lies) pervades our society new MAGAts will continue to be created.

Combating that is not easy.

[Vinca]

47. I agree completely. We're being told how we need to listen to the poor MAGAs, but listen to what?

Usually if they're speaking, they're calling us names. Screw them. I hope they enjoy everything they lose under Trump.

[Skittles]

48. THANK YOU

I'm tired of being told I need to "understand" these fucked up assholes - I understand them all too well which is why I FUCKING DESPISE THEM/

[TBF]

49. 100%

nt

[MuirHero]

50. AStern, You speak for me. Thank you!

[JustAnotherGen]

57. We know everything there is to know

About the maga Publican voters.

They've been shoved down our throats non stop.since 2015.

[cab67]

59. My complaint -

- is that I understand these people perfectly well. They, on the other hand, have no interest in understanding us.

[Clouds Passing]

61. This perspective of maga is essential, long read, well worth it

Naomi Kein nails it again…..

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2025/apr/13/end-times-fascism-far-right-trump-musk

[love_katz]

73. Excellent article. Very scary read.

[Clouds Passing]

75. This cabal of spoiled rich kids have no sense of reality. They believe they can create a fake world

where only they are master. They truly are delusional.

[mdbl]

64. I refuse to feed their delusions of normalcy

They are all in need of psychological intervention.

[soldierant]

65. The only point to understanding someone who is demonstrably destructive

it to find a way, or ways, to help them to develop into a person who is less destructive, or better yet, not destructive.

Based on our success so far, that is not going to happen any time soon. an we cannot allow them to drag us down to their level.

[chouchou]

67. Amen. Reminds me of Facebook/reels. As I said in another post, people who are so far ..

...gone with cruelty and ignorance are not worthy of time. If you're not familiar with Reel, people talk about flat earth, never went to moon, NASA had movie sets to fool all people...Just insane crap! I usually tell them to F off.

[Orrex]

68. Never in my life have I heard serious calls for the Right to listen to the Left

It is always the other way around, 100% of the time.

Fuck that.

They deride empathy, they mock our attempts to understand, and they shit on our efforts to reach out to them.

Fuck that and fuck every last one of them. Let them lose their homes and die starving in the streets, begging for the blood pressure medication and whatever else their vote has cost them.

Fuck them. Fuck all of them.

Fuck all of them forever.

[SunSeeker]

69. It's not just a difference in morality. It's a difference in reality.

MAGAts operate on a pile of lies that have nothing to do with actual reality. An opinion based on lies is not an opinion, it is a delusion.

[Justice Brandeis]

70. We've had 10 years to listen to them and understand them

So, yes, am all done listening because I understand what they stand for crystal clear.

[RainCaster]

71. It's hate, pure & simple

I have no desire to listen to that crap. There is nothing they can say that will sway my opinion. However, they can convince me of their idiocy.

[mucholderthandirt]

78. Listening to these idiots and allowing them to have their say all over the media is what got us here.

I have no fucking interest in listening to their "side", they are wrong and nothing about them is ever going to be sane or relatable. Fuck. Them. All. And that includes the two I gave birth to who voted Republican. They know there's no point in crying to me when they get what's coming to all of us.