I guess I don’t understand what you mean by helpful. I think stepping on people is the entire fun of the board. It’s not like minds are getting changed here. I like the vitriolic tone…. Both ways. I like it when the lefties are mean, and I like to be mean. It’s fun.
First off - I absolutely think minds DO get changed here, and let's start with myself. My view on DJT has evolved
significantly since 2022 and yes, this board had a LOT to do with it.
Now, I triangulate and nuance what is said here versus other news outlets be it the Economist, NYT, WSJ, All-In Podcast, etc., but absolutely I learn and test things here. I think if we are honest with each other, all of our views are re-shaped, to different lengths, admittedly, by the exchanges.
Let me use one example the other way. From the "jump", I have said that Immigration is our #1 issue and that Abortion was a loser issue.
2-3 years ago the board vehemently disagreed. (some, not all.
@Capt Ron 1 for example, has always been very consistent that he just hated how the SC had been weaponized in Roe, and just push it to the states. Whatever happens there, happens - he doesn't care.)
Look what Trump is doing - he is mocking Canada as the 51st state and threatening a major tariff regime, because...he is completely serious on Immigration and Deportation. How much is he talking about Abortion? Zero. How much does this board mention it? Zero.
Some of the back and forth is fun. When NavII asks about, "Mrs. Grandhavendiddylonglegs", yeah, that's funny - not vitriolic.
When MDF just posts "Sheep" incessantly, it's tiresome and not helpful.
In that spirit, taking fun shots at each other like we would a buddy's house? Sure. Ugly, vitriolic attacks? GTFO.