“The more we talk about politics, especially with those with whom we differ, the more we are likely to understand the basis of different opinions and think less harshly of those who differ with us.”

Campbell said that while “differences in the abstract can be easily villainized,” differences “with actual people sitting in front of us are more generally humanized—especially when we know people socially and deal with them on non-political matters.”

One issue in discussions is that “differences are so intense and so grounded in different understandings of what the facts are,” he said, leading conversations to “blow up” before there is any understanding of the other side’s position.

“I think the best way to open the door to more wide-ranging and serious political conversations is for both sides to start talking about political issues and concerns they might have in common or, at least, might be less incendiary,” Campbell said.