How to talk to a wingnut about healthcare

1. Get in the door. You've got to engage, to get the conversation going. Don't take this too literally. Getting in the door can just mean chatting up the the middle-aged woman with the "No to any Obama Plan!" sign at the health-care rally.

2. Get their story. Accept that they are where they are at. Focus on narrative rather than argument. Get the bad stuff and the good. Listen to their fears about healthcare reform, but also push them to tell you about their own health care experiences. Be open and honest about disagreement, but consistently express sincere interest in understanding their point of view. If it feels fake, try being sincere.

3. Find their reasons for supporting reform. Usually, these are easier to see once you've listened long enough to have found genuine common ground. Think about their story, about the kinds of things that matter to them. Use the part of your brain that comes in handy when shopping for a gift. Articulate and seek agreement.

4. Assess and ask. Figure out a step that will get them a little closer to the reform agenda. Link the step to the reasons they've given. Don't be afraid to ask for something they won't do, but be prepared to ratchet down to something they will do. The important thing is that they take a step, even if it is a small one. A good ask at a healthcare rally might be, "since you agree that we need to provide healthcare to everyone who really needs it, will you take one of our signs and stand with us?" You might settle for them agreeing to support a plank of the reform agenda (though something more concrete would be better).

5. Inoculate. Talk about the things they'll be hearing that push against the step they've agreed to take. Make a space to listen to their reservations. Remind them of the reasons for supporting health care, and of the link to the step they've taken.