Is it possible to be open-minded politically?

Question

Politics is the one place where you really HAVE to choose black or white...a decision must be made.

I do consider myself a Democrat however I does it really make sense when liberals claim to be 'open-minded' because (the liberals I do know which consists pretty much of everybody I have met in my existance) they lash out at every single thing that even has the hint of conservatism. (Not to zero in on liberals only for conservatives do the same).

What does being "open-minded" politically really mean?

Answer 1

A lot of issues are not clear-cut, "black & white," "us vs. them" as you explicitly claim them to be. There are varying degrees of opinion, regardless of which direction they may lean. Therefore, it is not only possible, but sometimes necessary to be open-minded on such issues.

It's OK to take a stand on an issue, but it helps to learn from others' views to fully appreciate one's own views. If one does not understand their opponent's argument, one does not truly understand their own.

Answer 2

Being open-minded means being open to new ideas as well as being willing to consider ideas on both sides, or even all sides, of an issue. You consider, think and decide.
You don’t have to wind up in the middle, nor do you have to accept ideas from one side that make absolutely no sense. You also don’t have to accept ideas that are unethical, short-sighted or unfair.

You do have to choose when voting, for instance, but candidates rarely present issues in black and white. Political issues are often quite complex. If a political issue is presented in simplistic terms then that viewpoint is most likely wrong.

Answer 3

Great question. Being open-minded in politics to me is to not stand firm on a party but rather look at each candidate for what they all have to say regardless of race, gender or media popularity.

How can you vote for people without looking at the issues and what each candidate represents for the future of America. It is important to look at who is supporting them as well. Is it the people or big business - says a lot about who they will represent if elected.
http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/index.asp

You really need to decide which issues are the most important to you as a voter and select your candidates by reading about all of the candidates. When you find some that meet most of your ideals, then narrow it down by past votes for consistency and if they have an action plan instead of just a promise.

So I guess open-minded to me means unbiased on Political Party, gender, race, age, etc. Look at all options before making a choice.

Here are some unbiased links for those who are open-minded and would like to make an educated choice.

http://www.yournextpresident.net/thefacts.php
http://www.2decide.com/table.htm
http://www.issues2000.org/2008_Speculation.htm

Answer 4

Be open to this George Bush then incumbent President won the popular vote (your vote) in his last campaign and the Electoral College made Clinton President.
In my thinking a big mistake as history proves. What part did a vote count or matter if it's ignored.
It's hard to acknowledge a system that is so flawed and corrupt.
Vote locally where you can have an effect.
The next Pres has already been chosen for you anyway.

Answer 5

I don't think it's possible in the long run. We end up taking a position no matter what about political matters. Trying to be open minded politically is like being both a White Sox and a Cubs fan in Chicago. It just doesn't work.

Answer 6

Being politically open minded would mean listening to all political views and giving them a fair chance. It's possible to be politically open minded, but most people aren't. You're right that liberals say that conservatives should be open minded and tolerant, but most liberals aren't open minded to conservatives or tolerant of conservatives.

Answer 7

yes. the first thing you have to lose is a mindset which requires black and white to make a decision. those who live in a black or white world are rarely able to make the compromises and considerations necessary to live in the real world, which is always shades of gray.

conservative is no more dirty a word than liberal. yet, too many lazy thinkers find it easier to justify their perspective by attaching a label and walking away. what occurs is communication breakdown. and that is counterproductive. if your friends "lash out" at the "hint of conservatism", they are delusional if they also call themselves liberal. if they actively address the issue in question, compare and contrast it to their own, then they may claim liberal tendencies. if they find total disagreement with the "conservative" view and can offer coherent reasons why, then they may claim liberal tendencies.

i hope you can see where i'm going with this. labels are generally meaningless. examine the message, disregard preconceived notions and you will amaze yourself with the insights that appear. good luck.

Answer 8

Being open-minded means to be able to understand where both sides are coming from. Being open-minded is also being in the middle, or Moderate, about ideas. It also means you listen to other Independent parties.

Unfortunately, there are people on here who will place you on one side or the other if you state an opinion.

Just stick to your guns, and maybe one day, this country will get a president who will bring this country back together again.

Answer 9

Well, in politics you can also be grey, or Independent. That is what I think of when you say "open-minded" politically. I'm independent myself so I personally think it's not associating with all the beliefs of one group and none of the other, it's really pick and choose. The term itself is all based on ones' perception of the whole damn thing.

Answer 10

I think it's reasonably possible to be bi-partisan. But a lot of people, especially media outlets, tend to be too biased, and that has a ripple effect on the general consensus.

But to answer your question, I think being "open-minded" politically means taking the issues that both sides support and reject, and trying to see them halfway, without judgement. That's hard for some of us to do. But I think maybe that's where it starts.