Angela Nicolini and Michael Starr
Recorded
July 18, 2020
47:33 minutes
0:00 / 0:00
Id:
ddv000046
Description
Angela Nicolini (52) sits down with her boyfriend and One Small Step conversation partner Michael Starr (52) to speak about what experiences have shaped their differing political beliefs, memories of their first date, and tolerance, love, and respect in their relationship.Subject Log / Time Code
AN and MS speak about being in a relationship. MS describes himself as a conservative, but not a Republican, and describes an apolitical childhood in Oklahoma before joining the Air Force and attending the Harvard Kennedy School.
MS speaks about his "California Liberal" professor in school who guided him and encouraged him to explore his politics in the classroom.
AN speaks about being a "progressive" and dating MS challenging her to question how she identifies. AN speaks about her dislike of the "liberal" label, and describes her politics. AN speaks about childhood trauma that has informed her beliefs on Women's Rights.
AN recalls being "fiscally conservative" in college and liking Bill Clinton's politics. AN speaks about coming to Abilene and embracing community and civil responsibility.
MS and AN describe their first "non-date" date, meeting at the local library. AN mentions not typically dating Republicans, but recalls MS running for congress and being harassed for participating in an Air Force 5k run that was organized by an LGBTQ group on base.
AN remembers meeting MS through his work with refugees. AN speaks about her former husband's passing and the values he held. AN and MS recall discussing relationships and politics on their first date, and AN remembers fearing rejection due to her beliefs.
MS speaks about his eldest son Matthew, and the complications during his pregnancy that shaped MS' pro-life views.
AN reflects on how their relationship has changed their views on inter-political dating through acceptance and respect; they note that they feel free to discuss their beliefs. They discuss their dislike of divisiveness in politics and share opinions on the current administration.
AN reflects on being a more "black & white" thinker. They discuss personal experiences shaping everyone's politics and tolerance levels. They discuss their community in Abilene, and speak about encouraging everyone to be open, saying openness is a choice.
Participants
- Angela Nicolini
- Michael Starr