Understanding How to Influence Conservative Voters

Five years ago, I participated in a quiz on “iSideWith” to determine which presidential candidate matched my beliefs most closely. I was eager to vote for the first time in a presidential election, having been just 11 years old during the previous Democratic primaries that started in 2007.

My results showed that Bernie Sanders was my top match, with a remarkable alignment of 91%. At that time, I was largely unfamiliar with him. I shared the quiz with friends and family, and most of them also found a strong alignment with Bernie.

Curiously, when I asked my Republican aunt about her results, she exclaimed, "I got Trump!" attributing it to her support for strict immigration policies and military strength. I was relieved, thinking to myself, “Thank goodness that fool won't be the Republican nominee.”

Over the next few months, I made countless phone calls for Bernie’s campaign, becoming somewhat addicted to the task. Phone banking is far from glamorous; many simply hang up, and those who do answer can often be hostile. Yet, I found joy in informing voters who were unaware that it was already time to vote or that their polling places had changed.

Occasionally, I managed to persuade a voter to support Bernie, despite many being uninformed or having strong conservative beliefs. Some were lifelong Democrats unaware of the stark differences between Hillary and Bernie, while others identified as libertarians or conservatives.

When the Democrats nominated Hillary Clinton, I became determined to learn how to engage moderates and conservatives in support of progressive candidates. I switched my major to Political Science, delved into the history of leftist movements, and became involved with progressive organizations. By the time of the midterm elections, I was actively running a campaign for a seat in the state legislature.

Throughout my 20s, I have been learning the art of political persuasion. I've engaged with Trump supporters, libertarians, moderates, and pro-Establishment liberals, all with the aim of fostering genuine support for progressive causes. While I don’t consider myself an expert in converting non-progressives, I have gained significant insights and hope to share them to help others avoid the mistakes I made early in my journey.

This guide aims to compile everything I’ve learned about how individuals perceive politics, offering strategies for progressives to attract voters from different ideological backgrounds. Some suggestions may seem familiar, but the accompanying explanations will provide deeper insights.

For instance, we often hear that “you'll catch more flies with honey than vinegar,” implying that a friendly approach yields better results than being abrasive. However, this is easier said than done, especially when faced with right-wing hostility. I hope to offer more than just a reiteration of childhood lessons.

1. “START WHERE THEY ARE.” This advice, borrowed from my mother, who has spent years teaching English, emphasizes the importance of beginning discussions at the listener's level. You can't expect to dive into complex analyses without first understanding their current perspective.

   My mother’s approach requires her to gauge her students' understanding before guiding them toward deeper discussions. This principle is crucial in politics as well. If you aim to persuade someone to reconsider their vote or political identity—often shaped by generations of conservative beliefs—you must first identify where their views diverge from yours.

   If their beliefs are founded on misinformation, such as exaggerated claims about government spending, you may need to address these misconceptions before making any progress. If you find fundamental disagreements on facts, it’s a signal to redirect your efforts towards more receptive voters.

2. BE PATIENT. Cultivating support from someone who isn't already a progressive takes time. If a person's identity is wrapped up in their gun ownership, loyalty to Trump, or distrust of socialism, expect that no single conversation will change their mind.

   Nagging or belittling their viewpoints will only reinforce their existing beliefs. While the transformation may be slow, pushing for rapid change can be counterproductive. Engaging them in multiple calm and enjoyable discussions will be more effective.

3. MAKE IT FUN. In my most fruitful conversations with conservative voters, they often express enjoyment, noting that I was approachable and not condescending. Understanding that many conservatives perceive progressives as elitist is key to successful communication.

   My outreach to Republican voters has thrived on a friendly, light-hearted tone. When they mention valid criticisms of the Democratic Party, I acknowledge them and often make a joke to ease the tension.

   If you are canvassing for a congressional election, remember that you are aiming to influence just one choice on their ballot: their U.S. House vote. You don’t need to convince them about every issue—just focus on who will best represent their interests in Washington.

4. “FIND THEIR PAIN POINTS.” This advice comes from a friend experienced in sales, who emphasizes the importance of identifying specific grievances that can be addressed.

   If you are conversing with someone willing to discuss politics, even slightly antagonistically, they are likely open to dialogue, provided you speak to their concerns. Many Republicans identify as single-issue voters, prioritizing issues such as foreign aid, military support, or social conservatism.

   By discovering what truly matters to them, you can open avenues for discussion. Surprisingly, many staunch conservatives have expressed interest in issues like universal healthcare or public education, which are typically associated with progressive politics.

   If someone is contemplating leaving the Republican Party for personal reasons unrelated to politics, encourage them, regardless of their motivations. Understanding their priorities is crucial to fostering a connection.

These strategies can help in persuading voters to consider progressive candidates. If immediate support isn't achieved, patience is essential. Always listen, be kind, and avoid condescension. Right-wing individuals are people too, and creating a welcoming environment is the first step towards meaningful dialogue.