Those who say it’s a waste of time to talk to Trump supporters are wrong. Plenty have already bailed out on MAGA or the Republican party on their own – and they continue to do so.

Several things are going on right now that have opened the possibility for more Americans to move away from MAGA – let’s use those:

• Trump’s continued lack of respect for the military and our veterans
• Tim Walz as the Democratic Vice-President nominee
• Hurricanes Helene and Milton are reminders about climate change, Trump’s claim of the climate change “hoax”, and Trump’s exploitation of disasters
• Trump provided COVID test machines to Putin while Americans were dying.
• Trump’s continued cognitive decline
• Project 2025 will hurt all Americans

It’s important to remember that many Trump supporters live in an information bubble with Fox News and all the other conservative voices keeping the reality of a Trump administration hidden (while attacking their usual targets). We must give Trump supporters another voice to hear – and it’s more effective when it comes from someone they know.

The following is a simple guideline to develop an approach for talking to your right-leaning pals, each of which will probably require a different approach. Remember, there are 50 shades of MAGA so pick the “low-hanging fruit”.

Prioritize your chats with:

• Your closest friends and family
• Especially those in swing states
• Especially those who have vulnerable friends or family members (female, any minority, medical needs, special needs, relying on Social Security, etc.)

Don’t waste your time and patience with:

• People you don’t know
• Hardcore in-your-face Trumpists
• Anyone on social media – they’re only there to pick a fight

The basics:

• This could take more than a single conversation (so get busy!).
• Without saying it, folks will want to save face – let them.
• Sincerely learn their motivations and their point of view. This shows respect – something many may feel they’ve been lacking for years.
• Try to minimize lecturing, judging, sarcasm, and condescending tones.
• Try to keep it light – there should be some smiles and laughs.
• Talk about things you have in common such as community, memories, and things you both enjoy.
• Sometimes a stern reality check is appropriate. For example, point to someone in their life who will be harmed by Trump’s authoritarian tendencies (people they will harm). 

Start counterpoints with an agreement:

• “That’s a great point – I’m also thinking that…”
• “I was wondering about that a while back too – then I realized that…”
• “I was totally on board with that a couple of years ago – now I…”
• “You’re spot-on there – I’m just worried that…”

Sometimes simple rephrasing helps:

• Replace “What you don’t understand is…” with “I can’t believe they lied to us about…”.
• Replace “Wait, you didn’t hear about…” with “Ya, I was shocked to hear about…“.

Understand what’s important to them (and the implications of Project 2025):

• Are they parents or grandparents? If so, talk about climate change
• Are they one-issue voters? Is it worth them losing Democracy over?
• Are they in areas susceptible to severe weather? Again, climate change
• Have they lost their jobs to offshoring, etc.? If so, go after billionaires, trickle-down economics, and GOP corruption.
• Are there financial or health issues? Talk about Republican tax breaks for corporations and the wealthy or affordable health care.
• Do they have friends/family that will be victimized in an authoritarian country (race, religion, health issues, special needs, etc.)?
• Do they have family members in the military or who are veterans?

Final thoughts:

• If they push your buttons then, just laugh at yourself or maybe even agree with them.
• Make no mention or hint of someone being brainwashed or needing to be reprogrammed – this is exceedingly insulting.
• Always show empathy, gratitude, and humility.
• Let them know your door will always be open to them.