Well this explains a lot. Goes well with not dealing with reality, by starting with what you believe or want to be true and working backwards:
“if it could be demonstrated that there’s a more effective or just solution to this problem, would you change your mind?”
“no.”
The difference between an actual discussion (where we seek the right answer) and a political one is simple:
In a political discussion, people don’t care about what’s correct or effective or true. Facts aren’t the point.
…In political discussions, we don’t have enrollment in the scientific method. We’re not open to effectiveness or proof. We’re engaged in a tribal conflict.
…[When] they’ve already made up their minds, they’re not thinking at all. Merely arguing.