Engaging in Political Conversations with Open Minds

As the election night approaches, viewers of Fox News Channel’s popular show “The Five,” where I share my views as a Democrat and co-host, know I hope Democrats achieve major victories nationwide. While some polls indicate a possible shift in the House and Senate, I won’t celebrate until the final results are in.

Being a Democrat doesn’t mean I support every decision. Occasionally, Democrats overreach, making some feel excluded from their own party. For instance, I recently disagreed with far-left Twitch streamer Hasan Piker’s views on Marxism and China. It’s important to reassess perspectives over time.

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Two significant moments over the past six years have reshaped my views. COVID-19 is one such moment. I respect Dr. Anthony Fauci’s contributions, yet I now see mask mandates extended too long. In discussions with my conservative friend and co-host Greg Gutfeld on my podcast, “Raging Moderates,” his frustration with government mandates became clear. He felt the government was too directive.

The second moment relates to Jussie Smollett’s 2019 false claim of a hate crime. Initially, I defended Smollett amid skepticism, but my bias clouded my judgment as details emerged. We must improve in accepting mistakes to foster deeper conversations and connections.

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Understanding communication’s role in relationships, I authored “I Disagree.” Conversation involves a surprising amount of data and science. Recognizing this helps enhance debates and relationships.

When presented with facts opposing their views, people often appear disoriented. Psychologically, their brains protect them from the distress of confronting contradictory evidence. Scientists describe this as motivated reasoning, creating cognitive armor that shields from opposing realities.

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Research from the University of Southern California shows challenging political beliefs activates brain regions associated with physical pain. In essence, our cognitive process filters information to reduce anxiety amidst misinformation.

The narrative around COVID-19 amplified divisions. Ari Aster’s 2025 film “Eddington,” set in New Mexico, highlights these divides. Joaquin Phoenix, as a mask-resistant sheriff, opposes Pedro Pascal’s character, who enforces a mask mandate. This fictional small-town election reflects real-life ideological fractures.

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The sheriff’s skepticism extends beyond masks to institutional authority, resulting in violence within the town. While exaggerated, the movie emphasizes our relationships’ fragility and the difficulty in rebuilding trust.

Greg encouraged me to watch “Eddington” before appearing on “Raging Moderates.” He expressed how the pandemic led people to feel regret over past conformity, questioning future compliance.

“A child wears a face mask on the first day of New York City schools, amid the coronavirus pandemic in Brooklyn, New York on September 13, 2021.”

Mask mandates and pronoun use represent issues where personal freedom and societal pressure collide. Greg views mandates as infringing on rights, while I prioritized mandates for personal health concerns.

Despite COVID’s declining threat, the debate on mandates continues. Were they necessary, or an overreach? Mediating between extremes remains rare.

Reflecting on the Smollett episode, addressing biases is crucial. Initially, I supported Smollett, but evidence later contradicted my stance. His fabricated story serves as a reminder to examine facts openly.

“If we’re ever going to go forward, we do have to look at the facts and have an open heart. They are not mutually exclusive.”

Seeking individuals with differing opinions challenges our beliefs, much like a workout with weight resistance. Greg described our dynamic as an opportunity to test ideas. Resistance strengthens our arguments and understanding.

Knowledge of truth and our resistance to it paves the way toward shared realities.

Excerpted from “I DISAGREE: Winning Arguments Without Losing Friends” by Jessica Tarlov.

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Editor’s note: Jessica Tarlov’s book “I Disagree” guides readers in maintaining values, finding common ground, and confidently communicating across divides. Available at major booksellers, the book aims to bridge political and social gaps. Jessica Tarlov joined FOX News Channel as a contributor in 2017, offering political analysis and co-hosting “The Five.”