Dating During an Election Year!

By Stephanie Agresta

Presidential politics are everywhere these days.  We're getting closer to announcements about vice-presidential picks and the conventions for both parties.  Here at WE Vote '08 we are all about riding that wave!  It starts with registering and pledging to vote (and of course heading to the polls on November 4th). But these days it's hard to stop there, especially for a 30-something single woman (and blogger) who is out on the dating scene!

This got me thinking about the optimal mix of romance and politics. While this campaign is non-partisan, I tend to lean left (but have an equal opportunity policy when it comes to dating).  This summer I started dating a Republican McCain supporter (who is registered to vote by the way).  As you might guess, I'm a fan of discussing the issues.  After all, if Mary Matalin and James Carville can stay married all these year, I should be able to include politics in my repertoire of dating conversation. In that process I learned a very important lesson (that applies to politics and love): It's about finding common ground.  You may not share the exact same views, but you can identify what it is you both do agree on. Caught up in the intense swirl of election hype, I have realized that by focusing on the shared perspectives, the more likely you will be to find real solutions and success.

This past week, Pastor Rick Warren hosted Civil Forum on The Presidency at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest California.  Senators Obama and McCain shared a stage and provided answers to the exact same questions (in separate sessions).  Warren started the event with some good advice: We can disagree without demonizing. That resonated for me!  Wouldn't it be great if members of Congress would abide by that credo? How much more likely would I be to find relationship success if I do the same thing?

Encouraging those around you to vote is critical, but you have to be willing to accept the fact that they may not vote your way. It's more important to respect those around you for being willing to get involved and have a point of view, (versus having the exact same point-of-view as you). Trust me, this is not always an easy task - but, then again, neither is dating!