[js1138]

My guess is it would gain their support.

Everyone sees themselves as enlightened and their opponents as rigid followers of doctrine.

The real difference is one of personality rather than ideology. Some folks just can't get inside a contrary opinion.

[LiberationIT]

Good point, but I'm thinking more of a faith versus reason approach.

For example the left is using reality-based as a way to differentiate themselves from the religious right, all the while ignoring reality in areas such as health care, more spending on education, environmental concerns, etc.

I interpret Sowell's point also to be that there are people who have such a strong faith in their point of view that no amount of reason will shake it. I think his point also applies to some on the right as well. (Yes, I include myself.)

Re personality, some group recently did a personality profile versus political profile kind of categorization. I recall that some of it, but not all made sense to me. I certainly agree that there are personality types that are more difficult to persuade than others.

But, enough about my sister-in-law....