If they are saying that Democrats need to cave in, then that's unfortunate. But as a general principle I think it's a sound idea to try to find common ground and work on achieving common goals.

Unfortunately I think that's not possible in the present climate. In the present climate there is no negotiation possible, just appeasement.

I've had this debate with self proclaimed Democrats too.

It's been a great run - we've had lunch nearly weekly for 17 years. We are all so different - from New England very liberal (me) to my midwestern friend who is more mid-left, to my southern friend who is socially left and fiscally right.

I can't say we exactly find common ground much these days - I tend to get much more fired up than they do....their comment - "well, at least none of this stuff is likely to effect us". My come back - but it is effecting lots of people - including our children".

The basis of our friendship allows us to dig into things quite deeply. Quite therapeutic and revealing. So much is formed when we are young - type of family, our beliefs, church or no church, income, etc

The idea that it isn't affecting me at the moment doesn't cut it for me either. We're all in the same boat. The Preamble of the Constitution states clearly that it is about promoting the general welfare. We are not founded on a philosophy of rational selfishness. We are founded on a philosophy of enlightened self interest. That is that we help ourselves by helping others.

Somehow that idea got lost.

that my friends give them the respect they deserve. I think people who do not look like them may be a bit more problematic for each of them, though - but it would never be admitted - even to themselves.

what complex creatures each of us are - a mix of our pasts, the people, the upbringings, things we hear, things we learn...

My overall view is that human beings 1.0 is highly flawed.

And with their claim of "not going to effect us" is any clue, they've pretty much erased us as well as young kids from the areas of concern or empathy they have for others. Scary to be reminded this happens with "nice guys" who considered themselves socially liberal. Your friend is not, actually a thinking and caring progressive.

as far as my view of all people, I suspect.

The Democratic Party divided over that - the solid south was Democratic at that time. When Lyndon Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965 he said that the Democratic Party had lost the South for a generation. Well, it’s been well over a generation, and the South is still pretty much lost to the Democrats. The Vietnam War heated up during the latter stages of the Civil Rights movement and aggravated the polarization that was already present due to that movement.

...in their backs. Republicans are the gravest danger this country has ever faced. One way or another, they've got to go.

I'm not the nicey-poo suburban soda cracker I was supposed to be. I'm a tough urbanite who has gone hungry to pay the rent and I am sick to death of seeing Democrats trying to get along with those criminals.

Bury the hatchet, my arse! The Republicans will take the hatchet and slip the throat of anything Democratic.

I do see the same thing with some of my own friends, however, as to the "can't go there" regarding Russia. I think to admit that Russia has done what we all know Russia has done is unnerving to certain types who can't comprehend that the security that they've felt safe with all these years may have been breached.

listened, they may actually go home and look a few things up. Planting a seed is very important especially w/ folks who are "almost" there. Keep quietly making your points and they may come around. Many of us here are so angry and fed up, it is hard to understand folks who aren't paying as much attention. We just need to give them a road map.

my southern-self. I love the politeness of the South, which enables us to make points w/out being insulting. I try in small groups to make subtle points and hope it lands. I'm getting bolder in my old age as fewer people want to lash out at grandma. LOL!

You're in good company with me you know?

Even those of us who are political junkies are getting confused with all the bizarre crap that's happening non-stop with Trump and Congress. So when someone doesn't pay that much attention it's easy for them to make some platitudinous generalized comment in their hopes of sounding current.

want Democrats to believe. "If only you would compromise with us.............." and whenever Democrats do meet them halfway, republicans screw them over. "Ha, ha, dumb Democrats fall for that every single time", McConnell (I'm sure that is what he was thinking).

What makes these people think that Democrats haven't tried working with republicans anyway? The Dems have been the grownups for the most part, usually trying to be civil and fair, and republicans take advantage of it.

Not from Watergate. I think when abortion was made legal it gave the republican party a huge wedge issue that they will vote for a R no matter what including Trump.

I heard many Christians voted for him to have abortion stopped in Supreme Court.

I have been thinking for years this won't change until older Americans die off because a lot of younger republicans are socially liberal on abortions and gay rights.

Same thing with congress, same issue. I remember when that wasn't a issue and even republicans wanted clean water and air. They were more moderate. I think that issue allowed the crazies of the right in.

In the early 70s corporations and the wealthy decided to put money into politics. They took advantage of the Southern Racist Strategy. They got Norquist started. That's what hurts America today.

Also there was at the same time a social conservative backlash against the liberals of the 60s and early 70s. But I'd argue that was more exploited by Koch et al to acquire GOP voters than it created the modern GOP.

Only heavy news readers know the true severity of TrumpRussia now.

Casual news followers will start to get it slowly. The way that happens is with the steady daily drip of negative news (that's why Fox repeating similar lies every day hurts Obama). The Senate Intel Committee will ensure that regular news drip.
(If we lose the Senate committee we are in deep doo doo)

How much cutting of healthcare, services, food, water, heat and help to the poor and elderly should the Democrats help do by working with Republicans?
it's not just about Russia
ask them next time.