This may be more revealing than it should be. I normally play my political cards pretty close to my chest. I find it's best not to be pinned down, politically, so that I'm able to have intelligent conversations with those to the left of me and those to the right of me without being pigeonholed.
My own children have noted that I seem to be able to talk respectfully and discerningly with person with whom I disagree, even passionately. I try to be open to their perspectives and try to see what life experiences and history and theology have shaped their beliefs. I also don't want anyone to have preconceived notions about what I believe -- which I know they already do. I don't want anyone to prejudge me for that they assume will be my opinion -- which I know they already do. I don't want to miss a chance to be able to really hear the heartfelt opinions of others as I try to know them better.
Now, I like to think this makes me a pretty rare species in today's world. In the world today, as I look at it, we have some very strict boundaries around our political groups. And, while we may have politicians who claim they "reach across the aisle," we really know that this phenomena of "aisle reaching" doesn't happen much at all. Take a look at all the votes in the Senate and Congress that fell right down along party lines. Those aisle are made for walking, not crossing.
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