We've Got to Start Talking One-on-One

Staged "debate" events aren't an exchange of ideas. They're shows.

Charlie Kirk was praised for his “Prove Me Wrong” tour. Even opponents said, “At least it was an open exchange of ideas.”

But events like that aren’t about real debate. They’re shows. Performance art. The draw is “owning the libs” or “shoving it in fascist faces.”

It’s content. And in the content game, the “opponents” are usually the weakest ones picked for the highlight reel.

That’s not an exchange of ideas. What we need are more one-on-one, private conversations. Not performative, not for likes or virality. Just talking and listening with people we know.

Start with “I think I’m right, and you’re wrong.” But add, “I want to understand you first, so I’m not arguing against a straw man.”

Skip the people who call for violence or genocide. But even if it’s not at that level, walk away once anger takes over. At that point, it’s not dialogue, it’s war prep.

There are those on both extremes who are unreachable. They live on talking points. They see every interaction as content. You’re only there for their content.

But if we lose the ability to have calm, personal conversations about politics or religion, we’re headed for chaos. The only way back is face-to-face listening and talking, not staged events for social media.