John and Elizabeth Edwards on Charlie Rose. Issue of Respect

[imenja]

Did anyone see John and Elizabeth Edwards on Charlie Rose? It broadcast in my area today, but was originally aired last night.

I have mixed feelings on John Edwards as a candidate but he made a good point that I'd like DUers to consider. He said he believes Democrats can and must win in the South and cited key Democratic victories in Southern governor's races. He noted that the most important factors in appealing to the American people is to understand and RESPECT them and their lives, that the American people will vote for someone who truly cares about their struggles--someone who is in the race for what he/she can do for the people rather than his own political future.

Leaving aside the obvious contradiction between Edwards' comments and Southerners voting for Bush, I'd like to raise the question of RESPECT. I believe Edwards has a very important point here that is instructive to those of us on DU who care--and I know that includes everyone here--so passionately about progressive goals. I believe we need to learn respect for those we disagree with. We aren't going to be able to win in the South, the Midwest, or West if we treat people who live there with contempt. I believe that we on the left also need to develop better tolerance and understanding of people who see the world differently from ourselves, including conservative Christians and those who vote Republican. Most of them don't show that respect, but I ask more from progressives/ liberals. I'd like to make a plea for people to stop using terms like "fundies" and "repugs." I truly believe that to fill one's heart with intolerance and hatred is poisonous; it darkens the soul. It doesn't contribute toward making the world a better place. Our goal should be to better society and civic life, not to join the chorus of hatred that leads to it's degradation. And even if you disagree with the moral nature of my plea, consider the question of strategy: to convince voters that our ideas are right, we need to treat them with respect, to calmly persuade them rather than dismiss them as idiots.