I was a MAGA activist and pundit, and left MAGA, in 2022, after 7 years in it. If The Atlantic might consider a personal piece from me, Peter, let me know, please. What MAGA Americans need to see is others like them—who support(ed) Trump and MAGA for what they thought were the right reasons—who made the decision to leave MAGA; and, the reasons why they left. MAGA Americans remain in MAGA because it is a community. For those with friends and family in MAGA, you’ve probably made appeals based on facts, citing reputable sources, etc., and you’ve found they have not had any success. MAGA Americans will not leave unless they have a new community to go to; our Leaving MAGA org./team is actively building such a community. Soon, we will publish testimonials of some who, like me, were MAGA true believers, and left. For those in the thrall of MAGA, facts, policies, etc., will, almost never, have any successful effect. If you want to re-engage your friends and family who are in MAGA, make a sincere effort to try and understand their perspectives, which are likely shaped by many of the everyday concerns and worries most Americans share. If you’ve already done this, do it again—this time, however, ask if they’d be willing to hear my story, and introduce them to our Leaving MAGA org. You will be pleasantly surprised by how many are willing to take a look at my own journey in, and out of, MAGA, as well as our org. At the upcoming Democratic convention, a brief video of my story will air. I am also co-chairing the Republicans for Harris FL team, because I need to make amends for my past decisions and rhetoric—all of which I take complete responsibility for. Yes, MAGA will remain, but we must mercy-kill the GOP, electorally, and begin to move on from Trump—someone I helped get elected. A national reconciliation is possible. Thank you. @SassE001 https://bird.makeup/@peter_wehner/1822304840661229629
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