AOC talks about a mentor of hers named Ernesto Nieto who had taught her this phrase, the golden gate of retreat. A concept he learned from one of his mentors, who I think might have been a mayor in Texas or something like that. And the concept was that when you are in a conflict and argument with someone and you ultimately win or on the verge of winning, you have to give them a golden gate of Retreat.
In a democracy, meaningful change often requires adapting views and building coalitions. Some believe finding common ground and building rapport is the best way to change minds. Others believe activism and protests are key to raising awareness. Increasingly, however, the acts of listening and persuasion are left out, as each side is convinced that the other is unmovable.
Anand Giridharadas is a journalist, columnist, on-air political analyst, and author. His latest book, The Persuaders: At the Front Lines of the Fight for Hearts, Minds, and Democracy, explores how the tactics of persuasion can help strengthen democracy and foster positive societal change.
Guests:
Anand Giridharadas, Journalist, Author, The Persuaders: At the Front Lines of the Fight for Hearts, Minds, and Democracy
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