There can be no fruitful political discussion with people who are insincere or hiding their views

[TheKentuckian]

132. Shit, try having a political discussion with folks who will not discuss issues at all.

Even tougher are those who somehow can chatter a day but have no positions of their own and tell us they "stand" with a politician.

I think we ought to try just sticking to subjects and leave the personalities out and see where folks actually stand on given topics. I bet you can find out what people actually think if you can actually get them to discuss ideas far better than an poll or tirade.

Strip away the labels, focus on the content and what you have to say will be in most cases true compass because you can't talk about what you don't know without leaning on the labels again.

This is how I've come to believe that most people aren't that reactionary but conservative is a friendly label so it becomes the rallying cry and an identity that isn't really aligned with beliefs. This possibly goes on with liberals and even moderates and "Centrists" as well.

I also think that a simple left/right axis state of mind and a structurally highly encouraged two party system causes some odd choices and priorities that results in non - cohesive application of ideology.

There is also a fan segment and these folks seem to have a need for sports but don't cotton to sports so elections become their Super Bowl.