Dating Across Political Lines: Perspectives from a Conservative Christmas Party

At the “Make America Hot Again” Christmas party in New York City, attendees were asked about their experiences and thoughts on dating outside their political affiliation.

Dylan, a participant, expressed some hesitation, saying, “I would date a liberal person, but a liberal person would not date me.” On the other hand, Rahul, who identifies as a liberal, took a more optimistic stance. He mentioned that values are crucial when it comes to dating, suggesting he would consider someone politically different if the conversation was respectful and grounded in rational discussion. “It’s really about moral and ethical values,” he explained. “For instance, what are your core values? How will you raise your family? What matters to you?”

At the same time, not everyone shared Rahul’s perspective. Paula Scanlan, also at the party and involved in early voting initiatives, recounted a negative experience where a date ended abruptly upon discovering her support for President Trump. She reflected on how her political involvement might lead to backlash from some. “Just because I work in politics, what I do is probably going to cause a backlash from liberal people,” she stated.

Despite these mixed viewpoints, Scanlan acknowledged that some people manage to make cross-political relationships work. “I think it’s personal; different things work for different people,” she noted. “It might not fit for me, but it could for others.” Dylan chimed in, emphasizing that there are qualities both liberal and conservative women share. “I think they’re much more similar than different,” he remarked, adding that engaging with liberal women can be genuinely enjoyable and thought-provoking.

The event attracted a crowd of young conservatives, eager to mingle and celebrate the holiday season. Organizer Raquel DeBono, a Trump supporter, aimed to create a lively atmosphere. “We like to go out. We want to have fun and not be stuffy,” she explained. “It’s really just a group of people who think like you, all in the same room, having a good time.” The night was a blend of camaraderie and festive spirit, as attendees enjoyed cocktails and conversation without getting too bogged down in political debates.