When you go after someone who has a deep ideological belief set that is contradictory with your own, it's conversion. Conversion is hard. Conversion is miraculous. We have entire religions built around the idea of conversion. Politics is not a religion. Politics is about persuasion.

Stacey Abrams’ quote explores the distinction between politics and religion, emphasizing that while conversion is central to religious movements, persuasion is the essence of political engagement. She suggests that when someone with a deeply held ideological belief set comes into contact with someone who has a contradictory set of beliefs, the act of changing their mind is akin to conversion. This process, according to Abrams, is challenging and can feel miraculous, much like the religious concept of conversion, which often involves a complete shift in worldview or identity.

The comparison of political persuasion to religious conversion underscores the complexity of changing someone's deeply ingrained beliefs. While conversion is often framed as a spiritual or emotional transformation in religious contexts, Abrams points out that politics does not operate on the same principle. Politics, she argues, is about engaging in thoughtful dialogue, presenting logical arguments, and persuading others through reason and common interest—rather than relying on a miraculous or dramatic shift in someone's personal convictions.

Abrams’ quote reflects her understanding of the nature of political strategy. As a prominent political activist and leader, she is acutely aware of the challenges involved in changing people’s views, especially on divisive issues. By distinguishing politics from religion, she calls attention to the importance of rational persuasion and compromise in the political sphere, rather than expecting instant or dramatic transformations in belief.

Ultimately, Abrams encourages a more realistic and pragmatic approach to politics, where the goal is to persuade others through dialogue and understanding, rather than trying to force a conversion or transformation of belief. Her quote invites a reflection on how political engagement should be rooted in persuasion, respect, and the acknowledgment of different perspectives, rather than the expectation of ideological uniformity.