So I have someone very close to me that has always voted independent, but grew up in a very conservative household. One where their dad is still a republican and blindly supports trump. However, because of that, they grew up around people that beat the idea that "OMG SOCIALISM IS BAD" into their heads that they will not support Bernie.
When we get into conversations about it, I avoid it, one because it just infuriates me, and two because I dont really know what I can say to change their mind. They have been trying to find a different dem candidate to support, and they are leaning towards the most moderate one (Pete). Which is ironic because their #1 candidate was Yang and I would bet that Bernie is far more like Yang than Pete is.
Any tips on what to say to combat the typical "socialism is bad" and "do you want our healthcare system to become like the DMV"? I tell them that is all false bullshit and no other country with free healthcare actually operates like that. But it doesnt seem to work. Is it a lost cause or do you guys have any tips?
Just tell them that the "socialism" that we currently refer to mostly just refers to taking care of people as human being in a democratic country with a strong social safety net that already exists in the forms of Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Then bring up the fact that systemic change would force those institutions to be better because then because those systems would be used by everybody and the existing infrastructure will just adapt to the new system. Show them examples of positive healthcare support in other countries and if you can, show them how shocked internationals are at the concept of being left to die in the richest country in the world.
I've had some success with pushing the idea that if America is the greatest country in the world (making the play for that emotional instinct that tends to lie dormantly in these people), than there's absolutely no reason America can't do a truly public medicare for all solution
better than those other countries.
I mean there's lot of nuance to any situation of that type, but it's coming at them with thoughts about bettering the world and trying to use as much evidence in a way that resonates with them without you coming off elitist. And most importantly, just listening to them and trying to address their individual points and criticisms is the really hard part that requires a great deal of investment from you that you can then use to discuss your perspective and address those specific issues.
But also, feel free to point out how awesome things like libraries, post offices, fire stations, and roads are as well as not being shy in pointing out how much safety nets helped America too. It's a process, but everything can help and you just have to keep trying without overstepping the boundary of "annoyance" in regards to the topic.
