Great article - and I agree. I have some close friends and family who are Trump supporters. And they are lovely people (that I can’t talk politics with).
One of my favorite signs from the protests was something like - “when cruelty becomes normal, compassion seems radical” - that repeated in my head a few times as I was reading this.
I am surrounded by only Republicans, so I never talk politics with them. There was one person who I had worked with and known for 20 years. I was shocked when Trump won the first time, and she said, "Now we get some real leadership with that black man gone." I voted both times for President Obama and I think so highly of him! I never thought of him as black. And I didn't have a clue that my 'friend' was racist. It bothers me to this day that I never saw that in her. I'm ashamed that she feels that way, and we have stopped talking completely.
I had a similar experience with a friend. After she barraged me with emails saying horrible things about George Floyd, the penny dropped, and I realized that her negative comments about President Obama when he was president were less about politics and more about race. It was not possible to have a rational conversation with her, so we too stopped talking.
I've stopped talking with 2 long time female friends. I'm sad but I can't risk my mental health dealing with the personas they revealed when mr trump came back in '24.
I know the feeling. My cousin has always been a Republican but his wife is so much more outspoken. I was shocked when, at a family function, she said she wants all the "illegals" out. Who does she think cleans the rooms of the resorts they stay at? My cousin and I used to talk Politics and disagree but since Trump, it's no longer possible.
#45 and #47 gave the ok to the underbelly of America that cruelty and bigotry to marginalized groups of people was now ok. tRump didn’t create these ppl or their depraved mentality, he just okayed them to remove their masks. Except for ICE. They still need them.
I can appreciate those on the left extending the olive branch to MAGA friends and fam. With #47, I find doing such next to impossible unless it is strictly work related. Politics, federal civil services, and how our government operates affects every person in this country. How the right and the left socialize without something related to everyday life in America coming up that is not influenced by something political is beyond me. Maybe I’m just used to something a little more deep than shallow conversation. Those are reserved for work.
Yes, there are some things that cannot be relegated to the "agree to disagree" column, racism is one of those. I to have a few friends that support trump, I will never understand it, but I can respect their choice. However, if they ever expressed bigoted beliefs that friendship would be over.
Doing the right thing is rarely the easy thing. I admire your journalistic integrity, Mr. Moran, and have for some time. I had not seen your colleague’s photo of the interaction between Tina Smith snd Mike Lee and am grateful you shared. The body language does not portray a “kumbaya” moment for Lee, however, who knows if Smith may have provided him with food for thought that will temper his future responses to sensitive situations. We must all honor our morals and guts and be fearless in engaging with others who hold different beliefs because we must find a way to coexist peacefully.
I have friends like that too. Trump voters but kind and generous people.
Yet I struggle to forgive them their vote. Their vote brought this man into power. This power has caused nothing but anger and pain and grief. And thus, for all our shared history (40 years) and kindnesses, I feel a real chasm between us.
Use/share this spreadsheet as a resource to call/email/write members of Congress, the Cabinet and news organizations. Reach out to those in your own state, as well as those in others. Use your voice and make some “good trouble” ❤️🩹🤍💙
Well, yes, all good, Megan, but I also think what Terry Moran has to say here is what I plan to work on as well. My nice neighbor, who voted for Trump, could use a hand across the great divide. We’ll see, but I’m up for it.
If everyday just a miniscule 100 people reach out to someone like you are, then our country changes for the better, one person at a time. They don't need to become Democrats. If they become critical thinkers, mission accomplished. That goes for all of us too.
I agree. Last year I slipped on ice and broke my ankle. Six months later I fell off my ebike and shattered my wrist. Who brought me flowers and put chicken salad in my fridge then followed up with rides? My Trump voting friends. And we all know that politically we have divergent view points. But they showed up. I will remember their compassion.
This is what people tell me to do… however, when Mike Lee is one of your Senators (as he is mine), it is so disheartening. The only one I ever hear from is our junior Senator, John Curtis, who actually showed a modicum of class, writing the other day, “…There is no justification - ever - for political violence… Violence doesn’t just harm individuals-it erodes trust in our democracy and tears at the values that hold this country together.”
I mean, was that so hard to write? I’m sure Mike Lee has someone in his office who could have come up with something similar.
PLEASE VOTE HIM OUT!!! He also wants to sell of 120 MILLION acres of public land. Do you imagine he has some deal in the works??? It includes 11 western states (except Montana, apparently that A hole is in on the deal). Imagine not being able to hunt, fish, hike, camp on OUR public lands because they are sold off!
Are you from Utah? If you saw the land he wants to sell off you would die. It includes popular recreation areas that even the staunchest of MAGAts would probably be upset about. (Am I talking too much on this comment thread? I hope not. I’m really interested in what people are saying here and literally have no one in Utah to talk to about these things.)
No, Colorado and before that South Dakota. In CO it's almost 4 million acres. Luckily my Senators are Democrats and are NOT for the big UGLY bill at all! I believe you that is includes beautiful recreation areas. I've driven through Utah many times and love it! (I'm thinking of Robert Redford's area too, of course!).
all of these support small businesses that will be gone if the land goes to the oil and lumber industries which is probably what will happen - the total amount was 3.5 million acres and then Lee and the senator Danes from MT added 1.5 million more! That's why MT was left out of this piece. They added the additional land last night hoping no one would notice. BTW the first 3.5 million is about the size of Connecticut and is in many more states. Start calling and writing. Former Sen Tester was on Heather Cox Robinson last week talking about this.
I don’t think we’ll see many big waves (like a major MAGA Congress member changing their opinions), however I think we can cause little ripples. I’m thinking staff members who hear the same thing over and over via voicemail, phone calls, letter after letter, email after email - maybe they’ll be a little more receptive each time they hear from us. Maybe they’ll talk more about our talking points to friends and family, maybeeee they’ll vote differently (if we get to vote again). I think we can cause ripples to push news organizations to be more honest and maybe even a bit accusatory about what’s happening. As a collective, our volume matters. And, at the end of the day, if we just annoy and overwhelm some staffers working for people hurting the average American, I’m ok with that too 🙃
Exactly and the fact is it is their job to answer their constituents. I do not care who I annoy, if a person chooses to work for immoral elected officials, that is on them. It is volume as you say. It all has to be counted and is.
It's rare to get a response from Senator Lee. I've been with Indivisible for many years now. Back then, my two Senators were Mitt Romney and Mike Lee. I ALWAYS heard back from Senator Romney. I know he made every decision with his whole heart focused on his constituents. Of course, we didn't always agree. Senator Lee is married to Trump period! You sign up for his newsletter, but very rarely does he respond to my emails.
Yes! I always heard from Romney and I always hear back from Curtis. I never hear back from my representative, Mike Kennedy either. Our system for electing these guys sucks, and it’s complete cronyism in Utah. Our governor has completely lost his mind and turned into a stumper for Trump. I’m in awe about what has happened to our country.
I have one like that and I still call every week and email at least 2 times per week. It does not mater if they respond, just keep up it up and speak your mind. they want you to lose heart, please do not!!!!
I do this 3 times a week at least and call. Rep Congressman never responds to anything directly, but I still keep at it. Thankfully here in AZ, we have amazing Senators Mark Kelly and Reuben Gallegos, but still call with concerns.
You're fortunate to have those well-respected Senators. I've been stuck for years with Cruz and Cornyn who seems more reasonable but he'll be threatened next election by Paxton who was impeached but sadly not convicted by his "peers". When I moved to Texas 50 years ago, Texans soon elected a smart, liberal governor in the great Ann Richards but that didn't last. The present governor thinks like mr. trump and wants to be governor for life.
I feel badly for you, Cruz-ugh total sell out and your governor..shameful It took years but AZ turned blue even with the tons of MAGA folks here. Governor, Attorney General who is amazing, Secretary of State and Phoenix Mayor, Hopefully that will stand.
Beautiful article. We can't control how others behave, yet we are certainly responsible for our own responses and how we show up. You can't out-mean mean. Mean is mean whether it's red or blue. And there is always middle ground. We need to look for it. So much at stake these days. BTW, I repeatedly write to MO senate and congress and zero response. More events like Saturday so that we can remind the "leaders" that they work for us. I have to add, kudos to Senator Tina Smith for having the courage and vulnerability to have the conversation in a calm, honest way. Better to talk to than talk about.
But yet they voted for this cruelty. They knew who he was. He's shown his hate, his racism, his sheer delight in punching down, for many years. If they voted for him in 2016 and STILL voted for him in 2024, they didnt learn anything. They CHOSE cruelty and hate. They don't get a pass from me. They've shown who THEY are by voting for this....person.
I feel the same way, I tolerate maga coworkers because I have to but outside of that and that includes family, anyone who voted for him is irrelevant to me. I want nothing to do with them.
I have talked carefully with many neighbors. I'm surrounded by so many that only voted blindly with their hands over their hearts.
Some are oblivious still. Some are coming around because they feel a sense of betrayal and guilt because you-know-who isn't who they just thought would be "republican".
They are the ones I plant gentle seeds of reality in. I suggest places like Groundnews, as a safe place to get good Information from. Anything to get them away from FOX.
I back off strategically after giving incredulous questions and statements about you-know-who. Planting doubts.
His ego cannot stand to be told he's anything but perfect! I'm really hoping that this incident, and Trump bring gone when he runs for office again, that he will lose his seat. He's not a good person.
It has been difficult to watch the slow steady decline of decency in this country. When I think back to the early political scandals of the 90’s and 00’s they seem like such trivial moments in time. But they got the ball rolling - and it has been gaining speed exponentially to the point where people can and do say anything they want not only with complete disregard for the feelings of others but as you’ve said to actually demean, debase and dehumanize (and any other de word) fellow Americans. It sickens me to the core. And we are raising a generation of young people where this is normal. There may be no going back to goodness. But I take heart from how you’ve been treated and hope we all take the time to appreciate everyone who shows us common courtesy and in the increasingly rarer instances of genuine kindness and consideration we say thank you.
Great article - and I agree. I have some close friends and family who are Trump supporters. And they are lovely people (that I can’t talk politics with).
One of my favorite signs from the protests was something like - “when cruelty becomes normal, compassion seems radical” - that repeated in my head a few times as I was reading this.
I am surrounded by only Republicans, so I never talk politics with them. There was one person who I had worked with and known for 20 years. I was shocked when Trump won the first time, and she said, "Now we get some real leadership with that black man gone." I voted both times for President Obama and I think so highly of him! I never thought of him as black. And I didn't have a clue that my 'friend' was racist. It bothers me to this day that I never saw that in her. I'm ashamed that she feels that way, and we have stopped talking completely.
I had a similar experience with a friend. After she barraged me with emails saying horrible things about George Floyd, the penny dropped, and I realized that her negative comments about President Obama when he was president were less about politics and more about race. It was not possible to have a rational conversation with her, so we too stopped talking.
I've stopped talking with 2 long time female friends. I'm sad but I can't risk my mental health dealing with the personas they revealed when mr trump came back in '24.
I know the feeling. My cousin has always been a Republican but his wife is so much more outspoken. I was shocked when, at a family function, she said she wants all the "illegals" out. Who does she think cleans the rooms of the resorts they stay at? My cousin and I used to talk Politics and disagree but since Trump, it's no longer possible.
#45 and #47 gave the ok to the underbelly of America that cruelty and bigotry to marginalized groups of people was now ok. tRump didn’t create these ppl or their depraved mentality, he just okayed them to remove their masks. Except for ICE. They still need them.
I can appreciate those on the left extending the olive branch to MAGA friends and fam. With #47, I find doing such next to impossible unless it is strictly work related. Politics, federal civil services, and how our government operates affects every person in this country. How the right and the left socialize without something related to everyday life in America coming up that is not influenced by something political is beyond me. Maybe I’m just used to something a little more deep than shallow conversation. Those are reserved for work.
Yes, there are some things that cannot be relegated to the "agree to disagree" column, racism is one of those. I to have a few friends that support trump, I will never understand it, but I can respect their choice. However, if they ever expressed bigoted beliefs that friendship would be over.
Doing the right thing is rarely the easy thing. I admire your journalistic integrity, Mr. Moran, and have for some time. I had not seen your colleague’s photo of the interaction between Tina Smith snd Mike Lee and am grateful you shared. The body language does not portray a “kumbaya” moment for Lee, however, who knows if Smith may have provided him with food for thought that will temper his future responses to sensitive situations. We must all honor our morals and guts and be fearless in engaging with others who hold different beliefs because we must find a way to coexist peacefully.
Mike Lee, we are all here for a short time and all deserve our space. I think you need to say to yourself, “There but for the grace of God go I.”
One more thing, if I was your wife, partner, SO, your clothes would be cut up and on the front lawn.
If I was his wife, they would already be on the lawn
And burning!
And I'd be proud and grateful that I'd found a thoughtful soul to spend my life with.
But she’s leaving the Senate because the fear is too strong. We need leaders to stay.
Yes, we do need our leaders to stay.
This is a time of peril and of crisis, and we all need to stay the course of endurance, patience, and courage — together.
She was planning to leave before this weekends tragic events,
She got Al Frankens hard fought seat. Too many Democrats are giving up and quitting their seats.
Sadly I don't think Lee eats real food. He's too busy eating vitriolic stuff he laps up from Trump's leftovers.
The gentle cords of love binding humans together
I have friends like that too. Trump voters but kind and generous people.
Yet I struggle to forgive them their vote. Their vote brought this man into power. This power has caused nothing but anger and pain and grief. And thus, for all our shared history (40 years) and kindnesses, I feel a real chasm between us.
Call. Write. Email. Protest. Unrelentingly.
Use/share this spreadsheet as a resource to call/email/write members of Congress, the Cabinet and news organizations. Reach out to those in your own state, as well as those in others. Use your voice and make some “good trouble” ❤️🩹🤍💙
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13lYafj0P-6owAJcH-5_xcpcRvMUZI7rkBPW-Ma9e7hw/edit?usp=drivesdk
Well, yes, all good, Megan, but I also think what Terry Moran has to say here is what I plan to work on as well. My nice neighbor, who voted for Trump, could use a hand across the great divide. We’ll see, but I’m up for it.
If everyday just a miniscule 100 people reach out to someone like you are, then our country changes for the better, one person at a time. They don't need to become Democrats. If they become critical thinkers, mission accomplished. That goes for all of us too.
I agree. Last year I slipped on ice and broke my ankle. Six months later I fell off my ebike and shattered my wrist. Who brought me flowers and put chicken salad in my fridge then followed up with rides? My Trump voting friends. And we all know that politically we have divergent view points. But they showed up. I will remember their compassion.
Yes I 100% agree as well
I wish you luck. I tried and tried but my best friend was still making excuses and justifying tRump’s actions after J6. On that I drew the line.
Take a little Henry David Thoreau and mix it up with some Martin Luther King and you get yourself some good trouble
Love this!
This is what people tell me to do… however, when Mike Lee is one of your Senators (as he is mine), it is so disheartening. The only one I ever hear from is our junior Senator, John Curtis, who actually showed a modicum of class, writing the other day, “…There is no justification - ever - for political violence… Violence doesn’t just harm individuals-it erodes trust in our democracy and tears at the values that hold this country together.”
I mean, was that so hard to write? I’m sure Mike Lee has someone in his office who could have come up with something similar.
PLEASE VOTE HIM OUT!!! He also wants to sell of 120 MILLION acres of public land. Do you imagine he has some deal in the works??? It includes 11 western states (except Montana, apparently that A hole is in on the deal). Imagine not being able to hunt, fish, hike, camp on OUR public lands because they are sold off!
Are you from Utah? If you saw the land he wants to sell off you would die. It includes popular recreation areas that even the staunchest of MAGAts would probably be upset about. (Am I talking too much on this comment thread? I hope not. I’m really interested in what people are saying here and literally have no one in Utah to talk to about these things.)
No, Colorado and before that South Dakota. In CO it's almost 4 million acres. Luckily my Senators are Democrats and are NOT for the big UGLY bill at all! I believe you that is includes beautiful recreation areas. I've driven through Utah many times and love it! (I'm thinking of Robert Redford's area too, of course!).
Most likely he does have clandestine reasons for his position.
all of these support small businesses that will be gone if the land goes to the oil and lumber industries which is probably what will happen - the total amount was 3.5 million acres and then Lee and the senator Danes from MT added 1.5 million more! That's why MT was left out of this piece. They added the additional land last night hoping no one would notice. BTW the first 3.5 million is about the size of Connecticut and is in many more states. Start calling and writing. Former Sen Tester was on Heather Cox Robinson last week talking about this.
I don’t think we’ll see many big waves (like a major MAGA Congress member changing their opinions), however I think we can cause little ripples. I’m thinking staff members who hear the same thing over and over via voicemail, phone calls, letter after letter, email after email - maybe they’ll be a little more receptive each time they hear from us. Maybe they’ll talk more about our talking points to friends and family, maybeeee they’ll vote differently (if we get to vote again). I think we can cause ripples to push news organizations to be more honest and maybe even a bit accusatory about what’s happening. As a collective, our volume matters. And, at the end of the day, if we just annoy and overwhelm some staffers working for people hurting the average American, I’m ok with that too 🙃
Exactly and the fact is it is their job to answer their constituents. I do not care who I annoy, if a person chooses to work for immoral elected officials, that is on them. It is volume as you say. It all has to be counted and is.
It's rare to get a response from Senator Lee. I've been with Indivisible for many years now. Back then, my two Senators were Mitt Romney and Mike Lee. I ALWAYS heard back from Senator Romney. I know he made every decision with his whole heart focused on his constituents. Of course, we didn't always agree. Senator Lee is married to Trump period! You sign up for his newsletter, but very rarely does he respond to my emails.
Yes! I always heard from Romney and I always hear back from Curtis. I never hear back from my representative, Mike Kennedy either. Our system for electing these guys sucks, and it’s complete cronyism in Utah. Our governor has completely lost his mind and turned into a stumper for Trump. I’m in awe about what has happened to our country.
I have one like that and I still call every week and email at least 2 times per week. It does not mater if they respond, just keep up it up and speak your mind. they want you to lose heart, please do not!!!!
I do this 3 times a week at least and call. Rep Congressman never responds to anything directly, but I still keep at it. Thankfully here in AZ, we have amazing Senators Mark Kelly and Reuben Gallegos, but still call with concerns.
Thank you for speaking up right now! I’ve branched out to committee members based on a topic I have concerns about too.
You are blessed indeed! Great guys!
You're fortunate to have those well-respected Senators. I've been stuck for years with Cruz and Cornyn who seems more reasonable but he'll be threatened next election by Paxton who was impeached but sadly not convicted by his "peers". When I moved to Texas 50 years ago, Texans soon elected a smart, liberal governor in the great Ann Richards but that didn't last. The present governor thinks like mr. trump and wants to be governor for life.
I feel badly for you, Cruz-ugh total sell out and your governor..shameful It took years but AZ turned blue even with the tons of MAGA folks here. Governor, Attorney General who is amazing, Secretary of State and Phoenix Mayor, Hopefully that will stand.
Thanks, Megan. This is incredibly helpful x
You’re welcome! Thanks for speaking up right now!
This is amazing! Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome! I’ve been working on it for the past 3 months and sharing as much as I can!
Thank you for speaking up right now!
Thank you, Terry. I will miss you on ABC, but am grateful for your speaking the truth. And I will welcome your informed opinions and insight.
Beautiful article. We can't control how others behave, yet we are certainly responsible for our own responses and how we show up. You can't out-mean mean. Mean is mean whether it's red or blue. And there is always middle ground. We need to look for it. So much at stake these days. BTW, I repeatedly write to MO senate and congress and zero response. More events like Saturday so that we can remind the "leaders" that they work for us. I have to add, kudos to Senator Tina Smith for having the courage and vulnerability to have the conversation in a calm, honest way. Better to talk to than talk about.
You really do find out who your friends are. All best to you, Terry.
Love this column. I am heartened by your support. Still baffled by how people don’t see the real luck laster leader.
Those last few words may have been a typo but it rings true!!
But yet they voted for this cruelty. They knew who he was. He's shown his hate, his racism, his sheer delight in punching down, for many years. If they voted for him in 2016 and STILL voted for him in 2024, they didnt learn anything. They CHOSE cruelty and hate. They don't get a pass from me. They've shown who THEY are by voting for this....person.
I feel the same way, I tolerate maga coworkers because I have to but outside of that and that includes family, anyone who voted for him is irrelevant to me. I want nothing to do with them.
Enjoyed your very candid interview with Tim Miller.
I second that. Loved it! It got me here Terry. You are articulate and a person of principle. As Scott Galloway puts it, we are raging moderates.
Me too. Loved it!
I do agree Terry.
I have talked carefully with many neighbors. I'm surrounded by so many that only voted blindly with their hands over their hearts.
Some are oblivious still. Some are coming around because they feel a sense of betrayal and guilt because you-know-who isn't who they just thought would be "republican".
They are the ones I plant gentle seeds of reality in. I suggest places like Groundnews, as a safe place to get good Information from. Anything to get them away from FOX.
I back off strategically after giving incredulous questions and statements about you-know-who. Planting doubts.
They need encouragement from us. Not FAFO.
So well put, Terry. I'm glad your reasoned thoughts and opinions are available to us!
Keep it up. Voices like yours are needed.
He just looks pissed someone confronted him.
His ego cannot stand to be told he's anything but perfect! I'm really hoping that this incident, and Trump bring gone when he runs for office again, that he will lose his seat. He's not a good person.
Beautiful piece. You are right it is still a wonderful country full of good people. The other stuff are lies. God bless you for speaking the truth!
Trump and his disciples are doing their best to try to normalize the lack of empathy. We must be better than them and not fall into their traps.
Thanks for the show of YOUR HUMANITY,
It has been difficult to watch the slow steady decline of decency in this country. When I think back to the early political scandals of the 90’s and 00’s they seem like such trivial moments in time. But they got the ball rolling - and it has been gaining speed exponentially to the point where people can and do say anything they want not only with complete disregard for the feelings of others but as you’ve said to actually demean, debase and dehumanize (and any other de word) fellow Americans. It sickens me to the core. And we are raising a generation of young people where this is normal. There may be no going back to goodness. But I take heart from how you’ve been treated and hope we all take the time to appreciate everyone who shows us common courtesy and in the increasingly rarer instances of genuine kindness and consideration we say thank you.
All the best to you. I stand with Terry Moran.