Sunday, May 4, 2025

Opening Our Eyes - and Our Hearts

Tonight I want to share an article that offers some powerful advice for progressives. Earlier this week, I listened to Anand’s interview with Dr. Abdul El-Sayed and was struck by how clearly and compassionately he expressed some tough truths.

Many of my progressive and liberal friends are deeply troubled by how anyone could still vote for 47 after his conviction. I’ve asked myself the same question. But after talking with people who are far from MAGA, I’ve realized that many who voted Republican simply didn’t understand how far removed 47 is from the traditional Republican values their families once supported.

Joe once told me that I didn’t recognize I was in an abusive work relationship because it happened gradually. One day, I finally woke up and thought, “This isn’t healthy.” I think something similar may explain why some of my Republican friends and acquaintances supported 47. The change was slow, and the lack of trustworthy news made it worse.

Here’s where I stand: I believe in radical empathy. If we want to heal as a country, we must seek common ground and work together for a better future. Random cuts like those in the DOGE budget—made without research or care—won’t get us there.

To be clear, I don’t know anyone who identifies as MAGA. I have no respect for that movement. In my view, MAGA ideology is dangerous, even fascistic, and must be opposed at every turn.

That said, I want to leave the door open for those who sincerely believed 47 was the better choice. Someone recently asked me if I’d admit he was a good president if things worked out well for America. I said yes—but I know that won’t happen. Why? Because basic decency matters.

Even so, I won’t abandon friends or family who supported him for what they thought were good reasons. I still believe in the possibility of connection—and in building something better together.

P.S. Anand Giriharadas has a free option to subscribe on Substack.

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