Are friendships possible across the aisle? –

By Anthony Curioso

Whether nationally or on the relatively small scale of the CUA campus community, there has been considerable debate over whether differences in political affiliation are a death sentence for one’s friendships. A 2020 article by National Public Radio (NPR) detailed the extreme measures some people go to to avoid or ostracize family members and friends with different political leanings. views.

The current President of the United States, Joe Biden, is a proud Democrat and has been for decades. However, he maintained a close friendship with longtime Republican Senator John McCain of Arizona until McCain’s death. Biden famously spoke at McCain’s funeral in a final act of friendliness. This is in contrast to what seems to be the norm today.

But bipartisan collaboration at the highest level is not an outdated concept. Although ultimately unsuccessful in her bid for president in the 2024 United States federal election, now-Vice President Kamala Harris, a Democrat from California, has vowed that as president she plans to appoint a “bipartisan board of advisers ” to provide feedback on some policy decisions.

I consider myself a Democrat with views on specific national issues that differ from those of my fellow Democrats. However, I have many friends at CUA who are affiliated with either side. I find it easier than most to have conversations with people about issues we may not agree on. Some of my closest friends have served on the electronic boards of College Democrat, College Republicans, The Tocqueville Societyand Young Americans for Freedom (YAF) chapters at CUA.

I have had extremely fruitful conversations with friends on these electronic boards about my views on various topics. When I see one of these groups hosting the Pryzbyla Center for their respective events, I engage with their perspective, from abortion to immigration to the turmoil in the Middle East.

I distinctly remember attending an event hosted by YAF in my first year. It was a panel about immigration policy. I attended because I wanted to learn about the individual panelists’ perspectives on each question they were asked. This is an example of the strong bipartisan dialogue I find present on our campus.

It is now more imperative than ever to have fruitful and respectful conversations to understand people who have different views than ours. non-partisan of the CUA Alexander Hamilton Society the chapter exemplified this by hosting a debate two weeks ago. Students representing a variety of political clubs on campus duly expressed their opinions on “politics, presidential candidates and the events of the last four years.”

Plus, refusing to build bridges with someone because of their politics can cost you a new connection.

It’s important to have an honest and respectful conversation with the person you disagree with to learn about their perspectives.