Talking politics can be tough, especially in today’s increasingly polarized climate. Here is a helpful guide for how to initiate and engage in political discussion with civility and to make the case for why bipartisan governance is so essential without the conversation going off the rails.
While these case studies and this explainer provide useful context, we want to go beyond to offer a deeper understanding of how bipartisanship can drive meaningful change for our country.
Why Bipartisanship Matters
- History Proves It Works – Some of America’s biggest achievements — Social Security, civil rights legislation, tax reform, and modern infrastructure bills — were bipartisan efforts. Cooperation isn’t a weakness; it’s how we solve problems.
- Most Americans Prefer It – Polls consistently show that a majority of Americans, across party lines, want their leaders to work together as opposed to just digging in their heals and getting nothing done.. When politicians refuse to cooperate, they ignore the will of the people.
- Division Benefits the Extremes – The loudest voices in politics often represent the most extreme positions. While division dominates the news, it doesn’t fix roads, create jobs, or lower healthcare costs. Bipartisanship is about real solutions, not political theater.
- Compromise Doesn’t Mean Surrender – Working across the aisle isn’t about abandoning principles—it’s about finding common ground to move the country forward. Many of the most effective leaders in history understood that solving problems is more important than scoring political points.
- Gridlock Hurts Everyone – When bipartisanship fails, we get government shutdowns, endless investigations, and legislative stalemates that hurt real people. Dysfunction leads to frustration. Cooperation leads to results.
Talking to People Who Approach Bipartisanship Differently
People from different political backgrounds often have different concerns about bipartisanship. Tailoring your approach can help make the conversation more productive.
For Those Who Lean Left:
- Bipartisanship keeps protections – At the federal level, politics can seem so polarized that there is little prospect for meeting in the middle. But at the state and local level there are many examples of bipartisanship proving not every conservative supports far-right policies, just as not every liberal supports far-left policies. Many Americans, regardless of party, want the government to function effectively.
- Progress Is Only Possible with Broad Support – Major reforms—civil rights, healthcare expansion, balancing the budget, marriage equality—were secured with bipartisan cooperation. Progress lasts when it has buy-in from a broad coalition.
- Political Purity Tests Are Counterproductive – Holding out for perfect solutions often results in no solutions at all. Small steps forward can lay the groundwork for bigger changes later.
For Those Who Lean Right:
- Conservative Achievements Were Often Bipartisan – Tax reform, welfare reform, criminal justice reform, and efforts to strengthen our military have often been the result of working with Democrats, not against them.
- Bipartisanship Doesn’t Mean Bigger Government – Cooperation isn’t about expanding government; it’s about making sure government functions well and serves the people efficiently.
- Divisiveness Weakens America’s Global Standing – Political instability at home emboldens adversaries abroad. A functioning government is a sign of strength.
Handling Pushback: How to Keep the Conversation Productive
Political discussions can get heated. Here’s how to approach them with an open mind and avoid defensiveness:
Common Arguments & How to Respond
- “The other side never compromises, so why should we?”
Response: History shows that bipartisan progress is possible when there is political will. If everyone refuses to engage, nothing gets done. Someone has to take the first step.
- “Compromise means selling out my values.”
Response: Not every issue is a zero-sum game. Finding common ground doesn’t mean abandoning core beliefs—it means prioritizing what’s achievable.
- “Bipartisanship hasn’t worked lately, so why bother?”
Response: While it’s true that recent politics have been divisive, there are still notable examples of bipartisan success (e.g., the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, 2018 criminal justice reform). Progress is possible.
General Advice for Civil Discussions
- Listen First – Instead of immediately debating, ask why someone feels the way they do. People respond better when they feel heard.
- Acknowledge Valid Points – Even if you disagree with someone’s conclusion, you can recognize their concerns as legitimate. This keeps the conversation constructive.
- Stay Calm & Avoid Insults – Name calling is the quickest way to end a conversation.. Keeping a level head makes it easier to find common ground.
The Bottom Line
Bipartisanship isn’t about abandoning your beliefs—it’s about getting things done. America works best when we work together. By discussing these ideas with friends and family, we can help move the country toward a more cooperative, solution-oriented future.
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