Public Employee Press

Book review
Debunking the right

"How to Win a Fight with a Conservative," by Daniel Kurtzman, is a fun and satisfying read in these last days of the run-up to the November election.

However, if you are leaning toward the other camp, you might prefer reading Kurtzman's other book, "How to Win a Fight with a Liberal."

In addition to being timely and fun, "How to Win a Fight with a Conservative" will actually teach you something useful about debate. In what the author calls "the seven habits of highly effective partisans," he outlines strategies for discussion that are welcome now - replacing fits of incoherent rage with shrewd and sensible approaches.

One simple quiz can help you determine your conservative opponent's "Partisan Intensity Quotient." (Sample question: "Do they frequently blame either Bill or Hillary Clinton for the world's problems?") The scores rank from Severe to Low ("Low: Your opponent is a Guaranteed Pushover. Show no mercy.")

One of the most useful sections translates "What Conservatives Say vs. What Liberals Hear." One example: "What conservatives say: We need to reduce our dependency on foreign oil by pursuing oil exploration at home. What liberals hear: We're going to drill for oil in the Alaskan wilderness, Yellowstone, and if necessary, Disney World."

—Jane LaTour