Reconsidering Relations Across Political Divides

A former speechwriter for President Barack Obama, David Litt, has raised an intriguing point in a recent guest essay. He suggests that there might come a time when liberals stop distancing themselves from conservatives, particularly in their personal lives.

In Litt’s New York Times piece, he described feeling a sense of “civic duty” to confront his brother-in-law, partly due to the latter’s support for Joe Rogan and differing views on Covid-19 and vaccines. He noted that his unfriendliness was, well, not really personal. It felt strategic at the time; it seemed right to be, let’s say, unfriendly towards those who were hesitant about vaccines.

But here’s where it gets a bit more personal. Litt shared that he wants to learn how to surf, and it just so happens that his brother-in-law, Matt, is the only surfer he knows. Eventually, Litt realized that his cold demeanor towards Matt—who he admits is quite different from him—may have been counterproductive. It didn’t help anyone.

“Matt and I are very different, but it’s become clear that we can accept each other’s choices while still maintaining a bond,” Litt reflects. During a recent surfing trip together, Matt’s kindness made Litt reconsider his earlier stance. He observed that Matt’s guidance actually inspired him to be bolder.

Litt expressed that isolating Matt wouldn’t have changed his views, and ultimately, it would have made Litt’s life more difficult. There’s a sense that the differences they have make sense but shouldn’t overshadow their relationship. After all, if people keep shutting each other out, we’re not really opening any doors for dialogue.

Litt pointed out that political disagreements shouldn’t seal one’s fate regarding friendships or family ties. He mentioned, with a slight hesitation, that while he wouldn’t be keen on taking surfing lessons with Stephen Miller, it doesn’t mean he’s willing to close the door on potential friendships over politics.

As he puts it, “In a time when excluding others seems prevalent, leaving the door ajar for unexpected friendship doesn’t equate to compromising one’s principles—it’s a kind of affirmation.”

This raises a pertinent discussion, especially in today’s polarized climate, about whether isolating those who hold differing political views may be necessary or, perhaps, counterproductive during family gatherings, especially around holidays. Some in the liberal community appear to resonate with this notion, labeling it a moral dilemma.