Speechwriter Reflects on Family Politics and Relationships
A former speechwriter for President Barack Obama shared in a guest essay that there could come a time when he may reconsider distancing himself from conservative relatives over political disagreements.
David Litt expressed in the New York Times his sense of “civic duty” to be unfriendly towards his brother-in-law due to differing views on Joe Rogan, the Covid-19 pandemic, and vaccinations.
“My frost was not personal. It was strategic. It felt like the right thing to be unfriendly to those who refused the vaccine,” Litt noted.
However, Litt mentioned that he has goals of learning to surf, and his brother-in-law, Matt, is the only surfer he knows. He acknowledged that his previous coldness towards Matt had unintended consequences.
“Matt and I remain very different, but in America today, we’ve reached a fundamental conclusion. We may not accept each other’s choices, but we like each other,” Litt reflected.
While surfing together, Litt realized that his brother-in-law’s generosity prompted him to rethink his behavior, and Matt’s guidance inspired Litt to be more courageous.
“Exiling him wouldn’t have changed his behavior — and it would have made my own life worse,” Litt pointed out.
Litt contemplated that the significant differences between them shouldn’t overshadow their relationship, noting that cutting ties or letting algorithms dictate their interactions could lead to a divisive environment.
He recalled that Matt had even offered his vote if Litt were to run for office.
Although Litt expressed he wouldn’t take surfing lessons from Trump’s aide Stephen Miller, he suggested that political disagreements shouldn’t sever friendships.
“In an era of backlash that comes with exile, keeping the door open to unlikely friendships isn’t a betrayal of principles. It’s actually affirming,” he concluded.
Some liberals echoed this sentiment, arguing that, especially around the holidays, it might be necessary to cut ties with family members who support Trump.
The co-host of “The View” aligned with this perspective, labeling it a “moral issue.”
