Do people who label themselves "Republican" talk about politics?

Question

This is a serious question. I'm not trying to put anyone down. This is my real world experience, and I would like to know what others experience.

In my experience, I've found that people who consider themselves Republicans do not like to talk about politics. I'm not talking about trying to incite a debate with someone. When something political comes up in covernsation, whether I'm participating or just overhear it, I've noticed that they usually do not know much about the issue (and I say this because they just talk about who they like, and do not talk about anything deeper - like what they like about that person or their views); and if they find out that someone does not support Bush, then they just say "I'm not going to talk about this. Let's not talk about politics." These are the same people that talked freely about politics when Clinton was President. Has anyone else noticed this? If so, do you have any idea why this is the case?

Black Sabbath - I didn't overgeneralize. I said "In my experience"....duh.

And for the people who answer "because they don't want to get attacked." Why are they assuming that they will get attacked?

Woz - I'm talking about talk show hosts. I'm talking about every day people. And please read the question thoroughly. I specifically said that I might not even be involved in the conversation. And....you have no idea how I handle a political conversation, so please do not assume that I attack - like your answer shows you would.

I meant to say "I'm NOT talking about talk show hosts"...

LET ME TRY ANOTHER APPROACH:
Assume for a moment that everyone is not like you, and that a political conversation does not involve stooping to 5th grade levels and attacking someone who does not agree with you. Assume that you are able to have an intelligent conversation with people who think differently than you do....with that in mind...please try to answer the question maturely, intelligently and thoughtfully. I'm only trying to understand something. I'm not trying to judge...and I'm not trying to debate. I would just like to be enlightened. Is that so wrong?

So far, of the conservatives, only Jen has managed to answer in this fashion. Thank you, Jen.

Chainsaw - you make a great point...and I completely agree with you about the Kool Aid voters - on both sides.

Answer 1

There are many types of Republicans.

I am a conservative Republican. I personally have no problem voicing anything. I will debate anyone with facts anytime.

About 30% of voters always vote Republican and about the same for Democrats. There are a certain number of "Kool Aid" drinkers that vote for their party no matter what.

I find a lot more Kool Aid Republicans in blue states. I live in CT and see way too many of these. They cannot think for themselves. I see many on the Democratic side also. Most Americans go through life and have no clue.

Your statements are extremely general and vague. I can find many people who vote Democratic and have no clue why.

If you want to throw up a few questions, I will gladly give specific answers.

Answer 2

I really don't mind a good debate. Unfortunately I have not come accrossed any one that truly wants to debate on issues.Actually I took the test that some one put on here regarding what party should I belong to. Surprisingly I said I leaned a little to the left. The reason that surprises me is because I have very rarely met anyone on here that calls themself a liberal that I agree with or have respect for. I think possibly the reason that it seems odd to you is because the people that say they our liberal here are out numbered by those who say they are liberal but can only say republicans are stupid with nothing to back that up. Those people make the rest of the liberals look bad. Don't know if that makes sense but it's the best I can do. Perhaps if people quit encouraging those that just want to cause havoc it might make a difference. Just a thought.
sincerely thanks for the question

Answer 3

Its not that they don't want to talk about it - they don't want to talk to anybody about it who is full of hate for the current adminstation. There are MANY liberals who are blinded by hate. They don't form an opinion on anything until the White House does - and they go the opposite direction. If the president wanted to completely fund all college education and make tuition free - a liberal would vote against it if it meant military recruiters would be allowed on campus.

Answer 4

I'm a republican married to an independant. I have no problem asking my husband what he thinks of a candidate because he considers both sides equally. I tend to vote for the person whose ideas and sense of morality most closely match mine.

Answer 5

I don't know who you're talkin with. Do you realize that talk radio is overwhelmingly dominated by conservative hosts who say that they usually vote Republican?

It could be that they opt to not speak politics with you because they don't wish to back you into a corner and make you feel naive or risk their friendship with you because of your differing political views.

Answer 6

No, they do not like to talk about politics because when they do they show their ignorance. They can repeat word for word the Rush Limbaugh show but the prefer the word ditto. They can chant the news of the day from faux news but to think of a good argument why they voted for the worst mistake in history they can not come up with anything.

Answer 7

I consider myself to be a Republican and I like to talk about politics.

Oops! Actually, I am an independent, but I am affiliated with the Republican party. Anywhoo!

Answer 8

It's over being closed minded, egoistical, and agenda driven as a whole.
You can't talk with uninformed people that are operating on hate and anger. This isn't any different then trying to communicate to a drug addict or alcoholic why drugs and alcohol have them addicted. They wont listen and are absorbed by the obsessive compulsive behavior. SICK mentally!!!

Answer 9

As much as they get attacked, I don't blame them. I get attacked all the time for my beliefs, and I'm not even a Republican.
It is possible for people with varying opinions to have an intelligent political conversation, but it's true for both some Republicans and some Democrats that they aren't intelligent enough to defend their positions.
It isn't just the Republicans. I've known many Democrats who not only wouldn't defend their positions, but they wouldn't even discuss it.
It's humans in general.
I'll tell you what. I may not be a Republican, but I am an extremely opinionated moderate Independent with conservative leanings. I would gladly discuss politics with you, as long as you don't say I'm naive or ignorant for my beliefs.
That's why I try to avoid discussing politics with many Democrats. When I do, many times they will resort to such infantile attacks.

Answer 10

Yes, I have noticed it too. It might be because they believe in it so deeply, that they are not able to see that their views are wrong.