Kevin McCallister Politics: Why outrage & misperception are today’s Wet Bandits and how we disarm this trap

By Rachel Bouzis, Director of Policy & Learning

Kevin McCallister Politics: why outrage & misperception are today’s Wet Bandits and how we disarm this trap

Welcome to Advocacy Corner, a monthly series of nonpartisan advocacy posts by the Natrona Collective Health Trust, aimed at advancing our mission of improving the health of Natrona County residents. Each month, we explore key issues that impact community well-being, providing insights and information to empower residents. If you have a topic suggestion or question, please reach out to Rachel Bouzis, Director of Policy & Learning.

In today’s environment, Home Alone seems more plausible than peace on earth and goodwill toward all. In fact, it seems like the only thing we agree on is that we don’t agree, as more than 80 percent of adults in the U.S. believe that the country is greatly divided on the most important values, according to a 2024 Gallup poll. This bleak outlook is shared across genders, ages, races and education levels. Finally—some commonality!

Between 24-hour news cycles and endless doomscrolling, we’re living in Kevin McCallister mode. Every time we open our phones, we’re bracing ourselves—hot iron, glass ornament, swinging paint can, flaming doorknob at the ready—as we ask, “What horrible, amoral, illogical—end-of-life-as-we-know-it, brink-of-civil-war—thing did they say now?” The result is a steady diet of outrage that leaves us convinced we are hopelessly divided from one another.

But there may be tidings of comfort and joy on the horizon, especially if we start by reframing the assumption that members of different political parties are diametrically opposed.  According to research from  the Perception Gap, we have a very distorted view of one another’s beliefs.

When asked to estimate how many Democrats or Republicans would agree with varying political and social statements, respondents consistently assumed far more extreme positions than reality supports. For example, 88 percent of Republicans agree that “properly controlled immigration can be good for America.” However, only 50 percent of Democrats believe Republicans agree with that statement, creating a 33-point perception gap. Similarly, Republicans misjudge Democratic views: they overestimate the share of Democrats who support the idea that “the U.S. should have completely open borders” by, curiously, those same 33 percentage points, even though far fewer Democrats actually agree with that position.

Why does this matter? Because maybe your MAGA uncle and progressive cousin are shadowboxing with caricatures instead of talking to each other.

Interestingly, polarization itself is beginning to receive pushback across the aisle, even among some of the loudest voices like Marjorie Taylor Green. As I looked further into this work, I was surprised to learn how many serious unity efforts have been underway for years. The Listen First Project, Common Ground Committee and One America Movement are just a few of many established, reputable initiatives focused not on changing anyone’s mind, but on fostering civility and bringing people with opposing views together. Their goal is simple but radical: to prove that it is possible to understand the other side, maybe even like the person, without agreeing on policy.

Of course, I hadn’t heard much about them. Discord is more clickable than dialogue.

This effort is underway closer to home, as well. At last month’s annual Governor’s Business Forum in Laramie, Governor Gordon promoted bridge-building by highlighting Utah Governor Spencer Cox’s Disagree Better initiative. Endorsed by leaders from across the political spectrum, it encourages people to “turn your next argument into your best conversation.” Alongside common-sense (if not always followed) reminders—keep your voice calm, don’t interrupt, refrain from posting divisive content—it offers actionable suggestions. Some of my favorites include complimenting passion even when you disagree and asking about the personal experiences that led someone to a belief. In this video, Governor Cox shared that stepping out of the cable-news echo chamber led to more sleep, reduced anxiety and even improved his marriage.

That insight has stayed with me because it points to where bridge-building is most likely to succeed. Natrona County, in particular, is well suited to bridging divides for a few important reasons.

First, we have an outstanding local media ecosystem. The outsized polarizing impact of social media and national news media are both well documented (Social Media, News Consumption, and Polarization: Evidence from a Field Experiment is a great read) and intuitive. Local news, on the other hand, connects us. Outlets like Oil City News, Wyoming Public Media, Casper Star-Tribune, WyoFile and Cowboy State Daily are all thriving. They connect us to local businesses, government, opportunities, challenges, and the stories of our neighbors making it all happen. If you’re looking for a way to support this invaluable civic resource, consider subscribing, donating or sharing their work.

Second, Wyoming local officials are accessible, reasonable and ready to listen. School board members, city councilors, and state legislators are working to make our communities better—and many are reachable by phone or over coffee. Attend a meeting, observe the process and talk with them afterward. Get to know them offline. This is Wyoming at its best.

Finally, and most importantly, we all respect, admire, and love someone whose views may be diametrically opposed to our own. Before you think about how they vote, reflect on who they are: their character, their kindness and the values they practice. If you’re not ready to initiate a conversation yet, that’s okay. When relationships come first, political alignment can take a backseat.

For me, bridge-building isn’t going to start with debate. Instead of physical presents, I’m gifting local news subscriptions this year. As I’m not ready for more charged discussions just yet, I’m easing in by asking some of my less political, but still unaligned, relatives about the lived experiences that shaped their views. And for a low-stakes step that fits in with my upcoming winter break plans, I’m planning to stream the comedy Elephant in the Room about a progressive woman dating a conservative man. It’ll be a welcome change to see disagreement with humor rather than hostility—and I can be in my pajamas.

If rom-coms aren’t your thing or if you’d like to take steps with a little more weight, spend time learning about bridge building. That could be researching organized political movements like the Republican Main Street Caucus and the Democratic Blue Dog Coalition. Learn more about opportunities that make space for nuance without forcing us into binaries, like ranked choice voting. Or maybe just refrain from clicking on a particularly salacious, fear-mongering headline.

As you gather this season, remember what brought you to the table or around the tree; it was never because of who they voted for.