What's the best way to debate a leftist?
Long story short, I'm from a Republican family from a very business-first area in Southern California. I went to college at Reed in Portland, OR, which is basically a home to all leftward-leaning ideas. I've stayed friends with a few guys from my college but whenever we have debates on certain issues (illegal immigrants, ObamaCare, etc.) I give them data driven explanations which they seem to ignore in favor of their own personal anecdotes. "I knew an illegal guy who became the valedictorian...we need to keep our nation's reputation as a just country, so we should grant amnesty...". Seriously, these guys are bright, but I don't know how to argue with them.
Don't. Facts don't change ideologies, this goes for both sides.
You're right. We normally hit a problem when they start telling me that we need certain social programs in order to help Americans get ahead. I argue that most of these programs do not produce results, They argue that I'm "privileged" and have not seen the way the world works and how many advantages I've had. I then say, no, I received a scholarship, started seeking out mentors when I was a teenager, swallowed my ego and asked for help.... we never agree on anything.
The best way to debate a leftist is the best way to debate a conservative, or a libertarian, or someone who isn't partisan at all. Debate best practices don't change depending on who you're debating. So to answer your question, have facts and statistics. Understand their argument and read up on the alternative position (have rebuttals and refutations prepared).
The problem seems to be that either (a) you're not as well versed in debate as you think you are or (b) you're debating idiots. In the case of (b), there's no debate tactic in the world that will help you.
You can only debate rational actors about rational problems, the issue with politics is that the rational topics generate no discussion because no one cares. You have to make people emotional to get them to care, once they are emotional rationality goes out the window and facts no longer matter. Hence you can't have a debate. You would make more progress sending them cat videos do distract them and just do an end around to get shit done.
Have you considered the possibility, they just have a different opinion than you? It seems like they aren't calling you a racist/bigot/homophobe etc... and there are perfectly valid reasons for supporting some sort of amnesty to illegals, and a form of government regulated health care for all citizens.
don't debate politics if you want to remain friends. talk about college football, who has the best ass on instagram, food, or legal pot.
I learned a long time ago that if you want to maintain a friendly relationship with someone who has opposite views, just don't talk about it. what are you hoping to gain from this "debate" anyway? you want to be right? there are few quicker ways to lose friends than to beat them in an argument about something as personal as politics.
+1 I understand you want to talk about real world events (politics), however if you're putting your mates in an awkward position in terms of politics you might have to tone it down a bit if you want to keep them as friends. Save debating for the classroom with people you aren't friends with, that shit is fun.
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