Is there such thing as a civilized political debate?

Question

First, please state your political affiliation. Either party or liberal/conservative or general belief system.

Next, tell me if you're farther in that direction than most in your party or if you're more centrist.

Lastly, tell me if you enjoy having civilized debates with people on the other side of the fence or if you think the other side is completely stupid, biased, unfair, or anything else.

Here are my answers:

I'm liberal

I am farther out here than most

I do love civilized debates and definitely DON'T think conservatives are crazy. Some are.. just like in every party. Those few crazy ones can't speak for the entire group just like the crazy liberals can't speak for all of us either.

You all have very nice answers. Glad to see there's others out there who agree.

:-)

Answer 1

Democrat, more right than the ones in power. Hate the death penalty and think abortion is murder but that it shouldn't be outlawed until the 4th month. Education is what I use to decide who to vote for when I have a difficult time choosing. Hate the war, but think we have to help straighten out the mess we created. Healthcare should be affordable for everyone, but people should not be able to be on the medical card or Welfare for a long period of time. Don't build a wall between US and Mexico, but figure out a way to help people come in legally instead of illegally.

I have civilized debates with my friends that have different views than me. I learn a lot by listening to them and not screaming at them.

Answer 2

Around here on this website, about 95% of the debates are uncivilized. Keep your eyes peeled because only once in a while you will find somebody being intelligent and civilized.

I'm no longer registered to vote, but when I was I was Republican.
Right of center, conservative about 75% of the time. I surely enjoy debating with other people who are not stupid, but I have certainly seen that they are very biased and unfair. Prof. Alan Dershowitz said ("Supreme Injustice: How the High Court Hijacked Election 2000") that many liberals have been brought up to believe that "the Supreme Court belongs to us." When I think about the totality of the ways that liberals interpret the Constitution, it always comes down to the theory that liberals may always have whatever laws they want to have but conservatives may not. I consider that biased and unfair, but certainly not "stupid."

Answer 3

I am an extremist, at least that's how my husband describes me. I am on the extreme right on some issues and I am on the extreme left on other issues....

I am, however, angered greatly by the current heads of the democrat party. I think they are opportunist who are more interested in hurting the current administration than in helping our country. I like Lieberman.

I don't have a problem with wiretapping terrorist or persons calling in/out of this country. I don't like abortion...seems selfish to me. I think religion should be better protected as Free Speech and that too many "liberals" consider everything sacred but conservative views. I support the war AND THE MISSION in Iraq.

ON my other side... I think SUVs should be limited for environmental, safety and economic and conservation reasons. I think we should have VERY strict Cafe' standards on all vehicles. I think second hand smoke is dangerous and people, especially children, should be protected from it. I don't think most teens should be able to drive...again, for environmental, conservation and safety reasons.

So, there you are....My Father-in-Law calls me a "goofy liberal" and my Mother-in-Law is a Democrat who fears I am brainwashing her grandchildren.

:-)

Answer 4

I'm a democrat, though I believe my affiliation is irrelevant here. I fully believe civilized political debate is possible. Civilized doesn't sell. Civilized doesn't get ratings. People want drama, which is why democrats and republicans, liberals and conservatives... more people will vote for American Idol than for government officials.

Answer 5

What an intelligent question. I am farther left, but I think originally both sides had the best concerns of our nation in mind. I am shocked at where we have come, but that is more due to ignorance than reality.
The idea of civilized debate has been all but destroyed by the "uniter/not divider" All I know is I am willing to listen, but I also trust my gut.
We are all Americans!!! "divide and conquer!" Who is dividing us?!!!!

Answer 6

Conservative right-winger with a social conscience. Not totally heart-less :) I enjoy political debate, until it turns nasty with yelling and screaming. I gladly debate issue for issue, but find it hard once emotion gets in the way of fact, or name-calling starts , because no logical response can be found.

Answer 7

I am center-right depending on the issue.
Nothing extreme except I want the death penalty for drug dealers.
Civilized debate exists, but the only people who get covered debating are extremists who aren't civilized.

Answer 8

I tend to be conservative, but I am open-minded to listening to what others have to say. I also tend to much of an empiricist so much of my opinions are based upon research and data. I have some opinions that appear to be left and others that appear to be right, but I am generally right of centre.

Answer 9

A politial debate will only be civilized when it has been scripted

Answer 10

Too many to requirements.....I'll pass.