The Madison Brief:

This week, I challenged myself to do exactly what I am asking others to do at my Dolley Madison Dinners:  listen to those whose political views are different from my own.  So, I attended a Ted Cruz event in Reno on Monday night.  

For those of you who are unfamiliar with my political leanings, I was a Democrat in my twenties, a Republican in my thirties, a Democrat in my forties, and for the past 5 years I’ve been an Independent.  Clearly, I have a centrist streak. So for me to go see Cruz, who attracts libertarians and evangelicals, I knew that I was not going to be among my “peeps”, but I was anxious to meet Cruz supporters and listen to what they had to say about the election.  

Country music was blaring as I entered the building, and folks were excitedly greeting their neighbors like it was a souped-up Back to School Night.  Children were running around with signs and buttons, and I found a seat next to a nice young  couple, a boisterous  man wearing a beaver hat,  a woman with three teenage girls, and a religious young couple with a four year old.  

After introductions were out of the way, I opened by asking them if they were still undecided. Nope,  they were in the tank for Cruz, with the exception of one of the teen girls, who admitted she was a Bernie fan.  She was attending because she was writing an article for her school paper.   Ahhh…a kindred spirit…this was going to be fine.  

So then I asked them, why Cruz?   It went something like this:  We love him; he is so smart; he is a constitutionalist; he bucks the system, the country is falling apart and his values are going to bring America back.  He will retain our Second Amendment rights.  Obama is ruining our country.  Obama is a Muslim.  Cruz can beat Hillary.  Hillary should be in prison.  Trump is our second choice.  We want less government.  Cruz is Godly.   

We were then led in a group prayer,  followed by  the Pledge of Allegiance. Nice touch on the Pledge; I don’t recall saying the Pledge at any Democratic event .

As the program started, I took out my phone to text some of my thoughts “live” to family members and a few friends.  Here’s how it went:

…They’re playing  the weirdest video.  Showing a series of people talking about Ron Paul and how they love Ron Paul.  Gal next to me is confused, too.  Five minutes of this.  

…AHA!  These folks say they are now CONVERTS to Cruz.  Wow.  Not very impressive.  

…Now the wife of Justice Clarence Thomas supporting Cruz.  Interesting…

…Glenn Beck is here, too!  Warm up act.  

…”We are Here for the Constitution” and crowd went crazy.  

…Ok.  Glenn Beck is freaking me out.  He’s shouting, rumbling, building to crescendos over and over.  These folks are hanging on his every word.

…Religion and government on steroids.  Aren’t they supposed to be separate?

…He’s captivating this audience.  He’s shouting.  Telling story about George Washington and continental congress.  Embellished.  Acting as if he was in GW’s head.  Does he think he is GW?

…It’s 9 pm and still no Cruz.  Just been a dog and pony show.  

…Finally.

…He’s yelling, too.  This is creepy.

…First day in office:  end persecution of religious liberty.  Big cheers…sounds like they feel persecuted…really?  Hmmm.

….First day promises, cont.:  Repeal Obama’s executive orders.  Rip to shreds Iranian deal.  End common core.  Move Israel embassy to Jerusalem.  Get rid of IRS.  Replace Scalia with strict constitutionalist.

…Day two:  Repeal Obamacare.  Do these folks believe he can do all that?  

…“Bomb ISIL”.  Remove them from the earth.  

…These people love him.  He scares me.  

…Country music is back.  I am out of here.  Whoa.    

Attending this event has had a profound impact on me.   I was terribly uncomfortable; it was upsetting to see first hand  how divided we are as a country.  Everyone I met was nice; they were loving to their children and friendly to their neighbors.   But, even as a centrist, I was shocked by the hateful language, particularly toward Barack Obama.  He is our president.  Why is it so difficult for people to separate their policy disagreements from the man?  

I had a ticket to go to the Trump rally the next day and decided not to go.  America deserves more than a dog and pony show from its candidates.  I went home hoping that Dolley Madison Dinners can someday be a catalyst for civility and truth in American politics.  We all need to make a commitment to find common ground. 

And, yes, in spite of how I felt, those Cruz voters would be invited to my home anytime for  a Dolley Madison Dinner.

Tomorrow’s blog:   Why Trump is Winning.

Written by Jeannie Conner