At the point in the election cycle where I’m tempted to set up a group chat for discussing politics in a way I (mostly) don’t do online.

I would share some of the conversations I’m having with my friends. Especially those on the “other side”.

@patrickrhone I'm probably on the "other side," but too ambivalent about politics to be a good conversationalist about it.

I remain shocked at how deep the polarization is between those in Left and Right echo chambers (having listened to delusional BS from a Right Echo Chamber guy less than an hour ago).

@ReaderJohn I used to be on that side. Even ran for (gasp) for Representative office on the side 30 years ago. Still have plenty of friends on that side that I speak to regularly.

We find plenty of common ground on many issues and I believe the only ones not finding it are not looking for it.

@patrickrhone @ReaderJohn National politics have been polarized for so long it’s hard to remember there was a time when elected officials regularly put aside partisanship and worked together for the good of the country. This still happens at the local level where things have to get done, but the toxic partisanship is increasingly invading there too.

@patrickrhone I require constant self-reminders that not everybody lives in an echo chamber. The problem is (at least in part) that those who do are called "the base" and deflect their respective parties further apart by being the key to primary election victory.

@patrickrhone I would love to find a group to talk politics! Especially a group where one could engage with the "other side" without being/becoming enemies. We need so much more of that today.

@cygnoir You may have mentioned it (sounds familiar) but I don't believe we've talked in depth or that I've investigated it much further.

Thoughts?