Latest news with #SaraCarton
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
DC matchmaker says political polarization 'on steroids' as liberals refuse to date Trump voters, Tesla owners
Matchmakers near America's capital say that liberals are refusing to date supporters of President Donald Trump, and are now wary of Tesla owners as well. Political polarization, particularly that between young men and women, has become an internationally recognized phenomenon in recent years. One example from pop culture came last month when "Love is Blind" stars Sara Carton and Ben Mezzenga did not get married during the season finale because Carton had reservations about Mezzenga's religious and political viewpoints, including Black Lives Matter. Axios' Mimi Montgomery reported that political polarization is acutely felt in the Washington, D.C., area, as government officials and operatives of political parties look for love. 'Love Is Blind' Star Sara Carton Rejects Ben Mezzenga At The Altar Over Views On Religion, Black Lives Matter "It's just so polarizing," DMV-based matchmaker Susan Trombetti told Axios. "It always has been, but it's on steroids now." One new aspect driving tension in the dating world is the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) laying off government workers in the Washington, D.C., area. A new fixture in many dating app bios, D.C. singles reportedly told Axios, is "Laid off by DOGE." Read On The Fox News App D.C.-based matchmaker Kat Markiewicz spoke about current polarization, noting that many clients quickly declare they will never date someone from the opposite political before she can even ask. The problem has worsened with the new administration, particularly with Tesla founder Elon Musk's involvement at DOGE. "Four years ago, five years ago, I was hearing, 'Oh, I couldn't date a Trump supporter,'" Markiewicz told Axios. "Now it's like, 'I cannot date someone if they drive a Tesla.'" OKCupid, a popular dating app known for analyzing trends among their users, gave Axios statistics confirming how the dating game has changed. The app's representatives claimed that before last summer, 45% of the app's users in D.C. said they wanted to match with a member of their own political party. That number rose to 51% after Trump was elected in November and then to 58% after Inauguration Day. Click Here For More Coverage Of Media And Culture Trump supporters are reportedly behaving differently now than they did during Trump's first term, too. "Despite the tension, more Washingtonians are openly expressing their conservative views on dating apps, users tell Axios — a departure from Trump's first term, when some conservatives listed their political affiliation as 'moderate' in their bios," Axios' Montgomery said. One DC resident reported seeing numerous photos on dating apps of people posing with the president or appearing in his Oval Office. "It's interesting how the new administration has allowed people to feel more open about what they believe in this city," she article source: DC matchmaker says political polarization 'on steroids' as liberals refuse to date Trump voters, Tesla owners
Buzz Feed
06-04-2025
- Politics
- Buzz Feed
People Reveal How They Dealt With Dating Someone With Differing Political Views, And It Left Me Completely Shocked
The political landscape is deeply divided, making it increasingly rare to see two people with opposing views engage in a civil conversation, let alone form a meaningful, lifelong bond. It was best embodied in the finale of Love Is Blind when two couples, Sara Carton and Ben Mezzeng, and Devin Buckley and Virginia Miller, split over differing political views. That was the outcome in some cases, but in just as many — if not more — situations, mutual respect for differing views and a curiosity to learn more helped establish common ground. From open dialogues that led to marriage and children, to relationships ending over unshakeable principles, here's a closer look at what it's like to date across political lines. 1. "I am outside of the Republican-Democrat spectrum and believe they are just one ruling party. I hate all of them with my whole heart and believe that this system must be abolished if we are ever to get out of this nightmare. Started dating a center-leaning democrat two years ago. The boy is now radical AF, almost as left as I am." "No indoctrination on my end, just sharing of ideas and respectful discussions centered around critical thinking and eliminating bias. Getting married in August." 2. "Any time a simple 'topic' came up for discussion, I (31-year-old female) was amazed at the fact that he (27-year-old male) either treated it as a joke and further perpetuated the narrative that I cared too much or he simply had so little knowledge and understanding that a conversation was not possible. When asked why he was so ill-informed, his response was, 'it's not like I have to be.'" — strellmar714 3. "I never thought I would be able to do it." "I would say I'm very conservative, and I never thought I could be with someone who doesn't share my values. We disagree on quite a few things, but I think the key to getting past those disagreements is to see him as a person, not just the opposition. I can try to understand his perspective, and he can try to understand mine because we have that foundation of respect. I know I can never convince him to vote for Trump, but I can see him coming around to a few things I believe. Similarly, I am still extremely conservative, but I have learned how to question ideas more. All I can say is it's hard; it doesn't work out a lot of the time. If you don't want to be with someone with political differences, that's completely understandable." — zombiegirl15 4. "I am a first-gen Mexican-American with a heavy liberal lean, he comes from a family with generational wealth rooted in American farming (a heavy conservative lean). And please understand, there is a difference between being conservative and being pro-Trump." "There is a spectacular Atlantic article called 'The New Rasputins' that discusses this well. There were things that initially, when we met, were really scary to talk about (guns, abortion, racism, government assistance programs, immigration, etc). For example, I grew up thinking guns were the root of evil. He grew up on a rural farm with the understanding that gun safety is rooted in learning how to respect guns early and the idea that when you live that far out from cities, if someone is on your property to hurt your family, the cops often cannot get there in time to protect you. Now, five years and a marriage later, both of our views on guns and gun control have shifted closer to the midline. I would say, in general, that many of his conservative views have shifted to more liberal ones as he has been exposed to more data and minority experiences. However, there are some topics where my perspective has shifted slightly more conservative. At the root of it all, we both understand that the truth often lies in the middle. We still argue, topics still get heated, but fundamentally, we have the same core beliefs, and we both try to understand opposing sides better before we rush to judge. It helps that we are both in healthcare, both believe in data and science, and both are disgusted by the fear-mongering and misinformation that has plagued our society. It hasn't been easy, but I'd like to think we're better because of our different upbringings and not despite them." — godoyan 5. "We thought we vetted each other; we had an issues discussion way early. I'm a 35-year-old moderate Democrat (Independent until Roe v. Wade was overturned; very never-Trump); He's a 45-year-old male moderate conservative (but pro-Trump)." "We were eight months in and falling in love before we realized it…tried to break up but couldn't stay away from each other. After three months of couples counseling (his suggestion and dime) to learn how to resolve conflict, we moved in. Our counselor was so entertained by us. Next month, we'll have lived together for a year — his 14-year-old son has requested 'debate time' (most of the day) and 'non-debate time' (family dinner). We've never changed each other's minds, but we care enough to listen and learn, and we've both flexed differently and, sometimes, more deeply into our beliefs. He's definitely more understanding of women's issues, and I understand why Trump won twice on a very different level. We're both growing. I've never felt so loved or been so well-cared for on so many levels." — bitterpear424 6. "We broke up. I'm centrist (leaning left) and he was HARD right, almost a fascist. It was shocking to me how far right he was, and it wasn't until some of my friends told me that he explained how he was 'trying to hide his political views' from me that I realized what a mistake I'd made." 7. "I couldn't do it. As soon as I found out they voted for Trump, we broke up. No point trying with someone so far away from my core beliefs." 8. "I, a rabid liberal, am engaged to a former conservative writer and activist! We wouldn't have had the very first date if I didn't know he was 'never Trump' — a feeling so passionate that he left the movement and found a different focus for his work." "It was also plain to see that he cared greatly for the LGBTQIA+ population and was anti-racist. After some confused probing, I learned that his big concerns were hawkish foreign policy and states' rights, which I found more akin to the Republican concerns my parents espoused in the Reagan and Bush eras than in line with today's Republican agenda. Then Roe fell, and he was just as angry as I was, despite generally favoring states' rights. A series of other world events saw us mostly agreeing, too, despite how we choose to register and identify — he's now a registered Independent, and I am a registered Democrat. And it's a good thing, too, because we talk about politics most of the time we're awake! We run an activist media company together and are getting married in July!" —Joshua Tree, CA, 40, Registered Democrat 9. "I ended the relationship when his absurd right-wing opinions started coming out when the right-wing government came to power to destroy our country. Can't be with someone who supports a government and ideas based on oppression, apartheid, genocide, and ethnic cleansing." 10. "I dated and then married someone with different political views! Sometimes it's frustrating, but mostly I appreciate hearing his perspectives. My husband is very smart and has clear, logical reasons for his stance on issues even when I don't agree with them." "I consider it a gift to be with someone who brings new perspectives and broadens my views rather than someone who thinks just like me. I also think it's a gift to our children, who will grow up hearing different perspectives and healthy discourse. Our media is so segregated these days that it is easy to surround yourself with only one doctrine. Being with my husband has certainly made me more tolerant and understanding of people from all beliefs, which I think makes me a better human." —US, 32, Unaffiliated 11. "When I met my now-husband, he was a Trump supporter. I got him to change by honest discussion and talking about the policies Republicans use. Now he argues on Facebook with people about why Trump is bad." 12. "BAD. I found that no matter how hard I tried, if we disagreed on politics, there were always core values that didn't line up between us." 13. "It was bad and it very much did not work out, which I'm super grateful for. Initially, I didn't know if he was really that conservative or was trying to be contrarian, but everything was mostly okay for the first few months, sort of, 'if we don't talk about the problem, the problem doesn't exist,' which is, admittedly, super unhealthy. But then COVID happened, and he would refuse to wear a mask and called people who wore masks (me) brainwashed and didn't understand why I was choosing to abide by mask policies." "Then the George Floyd murder happened, and we got into a huge fight about the protests and whether they were justified. He truly thought Donald Trump was the savior we all needed and actively called me stupid for considering minorities' experiences when formulating opinions about an issue because I know my privilege, which, of course, he didn't believe existed for him. I quickly ended the relationship about six months after it started, which was probably five months too long. Now, I've been in a relationship for almost three years with someone who is really on the same page, and I am infinitely blessed for that." —Ohio, Late 30s, Liberal 14. "When my husband and I started dating 15+ years ago, I was center-left and he was center-right. Generally, we had similar views, but he'd vote Republican and I'd vote Democrat because he valued economic issues more and I valued social issues more. Trump has made both of us more liberal." "When Trump was the Republican candidate the first time around, I admitted that I wouldn't be able to respect him if he voted that way. Thankfully, he also wouldn't have been able to respect himself and voted third party. Since that election, he's voted Democrat in every presidential election and most other elections. Honestly, it's more a sign of how terrible US politics are than his changing beliefs. I wish there were decent Republicans still on the ballot, but now they are so unbelievably evil that I struggle to respect anyone who votes that way. I would never be able to be in a relationship (God forbid, co-parent with) anyone who supported Trump because honestly, it would make me doubt either their morality or intelligence." —Oregon, 35, Liberal 15. "It was eye-opening." "She had two college-age kids who struck me as conservative-leaning. Meanwhile, she said she was an Independent. Yet she would always denounce any Democrat. It was a double standard; if a GOP member mocked a Democrat, she would find it funny. If a Democrat went after a Republican, she would lament that Democrats are mean-spirited. It's the actions you look for, not the words. The words take on more gravitas as you see the actions. I believe she doesn't see her biases. She honestly believes that she is open-minded and adheres to the true values of the Statue of Liberty (her great-grandparents came through Ellis Island, so she has a soft spot for Lady Liberty). It ended romantically, but we stayed in touch as friends. It really challenges your core values and makes you wonder how you can look at the same thing or align in a conversation just to have two different outcomes. Fascinating" —New York City, 40s, Independent (left-leaning as of late) 16. "My husband and I were super young when we got married, just barely 19, and both super Republican and super religious. We became slightly more progressive together and, after eight years of marriage, had our daughter. My views shifted during that pregnancy more rapidly, while his stopped shifting. He's not a Trump supporter by any means, but he does lean Republican and is still very deep in his religion, while I've left the religion completely and want to fight every injustice." Douglas Sacha / Getty Images "It's difficult. If I didn't have a daughter with him, I probably would have left him. He's even come out as gay, but acting on it would be a sin in his eyes, and he gets upset whenever I want to do anything Pride-related. It's a constant uphill battle to learn to live with each other's opposing views, and I'd be lying if the thought of leaving hasn't occurred." —Las Vegas, 34, Democrat 17. "She was a conservative from hill country. I was raised very liberal." "During the second Obama election cycle, on Election Day, I simply asked in the evening if she voted that day. You would have thought I had directly pissed on her. She blew up at me for trying to impress on her my values and influence her decision-making. Mind you, voting was over for the day. I just wanted to know if she voted. I knew she was conservative but hoped she'd at least voted. She hadn't. We were divorced within the year (for that, amongst many other reasons). I have no doubts she is a raging MAGA-head now." —Atlanta, GA, 38 (at the time), Liberal 18. "My significant other and I have totally opposite political views. I told him we could either talk politics or have a relationship, not both. We have chosen to have a relationship, 12 years and still together." 19. "I was really obsessed with him for the longest time, and we had been talking about marriage since we've been together for five years. I found out he voted for Trump, and I can't see him the same way anymore. I still love him, but not as much. We just try to stay away from politics when we have conversations." 20. "Well, we're married, so I'd say it worked out for us! My husband considers himself a leftist; I consider myself a conservative. Neither of us identifies with either political party, although he's more likely to just vote Democrat because it's usually the furthest left he can get, while I vote for a mix of Democrat and Republican, leaning more towards Republican. It depends on the individuals in the race." "We are both very respectful and curious about the other's positions and have good, thoughtful discussions. We feel that we can be totally honest with each other, and we won't be judged, demeaned, or deliberately misunderstood. We understand that the other person is not evil but just sees things differently, and it opens our eyes to new perspectives that we hadn't considered. I think it helps us understand the world in general and helps us grow as people — it keeps us from getting siloed and echo-chambered. I think our country would be a better place if more people were willing to do this, although my husband wants to add that it isn't going to work if you're not willing to sit through hard conversations without judgment or contempt." —Minnesota, 28, Conservative 21. "My current boyfriend considers himself to be a Constitutionalist. He is not a Trump supporter at all, but he wanted to vote for RFK. We have political conversations all the time, and what I love about them is that we listen and understand each other's views rather than merely trying to be right." Rebecca Noble / Getty Images "Sometimes, we can agree, but mostly, we agree to disagree. He genuinely listens, and that's what is great about it. It never turns into a fight, and I have a completely different perspective because he is white and I am Black, so there are a lot of things he has never and will never experience. Maybe, one day, I will change his mind on some things, but we are good for now!" —Chicago, 48, Democrat
Fox News
11-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Love Is…For Liberals Only?
Netflix's Love Is Blind has captivated audiences since 2020, with some contestants leaving their lovers at the altar! While season 8 contestant Sara Carton is not the first to do this, her reason for doing so has stirred up an interesting conversation about politics. Sarah left her match Ben Mezzenga after she realized he had absolutely no opinion regarding the Black Lives Matter movement and LGBTQ+ issues. Conservatives are praising Ben for dodging a bullet, and liberals are celebrating Sara for walking away. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit
The Hill
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hill
Netflix ‘Love is Blind' contestant leaves would-be groom at altar over politics
A participant on Netflix's 'Love is Blind' reality show left her fiancé at the altar, saying they were on different 'wavelength' when it came to politics. In the show's season 8 finale, which aired Friday, Sara Carton told fellow contestant Ben Mezzenga that she couldn't marry him, when it came time either to say 'I do' or walk away. 'I love you so much, but I've always wanted a partner to be on the same wavelength, and so today, I can't [marry you],' Carton told Mezzenga. 'I know that the connection we have is so real, and my heart is there, but we talked about a lot of the values that I hold so close to my heart. Making this decision, my mind is telling me I can't,' she added. Carton elaborated on her decision later in the show, telling her confidants she was disappointed he was not more engaged on issues including the Black Lives Matter movement and gay rights. 'I remember, like, I asked him about, like, Black Lives Matter, and I'm no expert, but, like, when I asked him about it, he was like, 'I guess I never really thought too much about it,'' Carton said about her former fiancé. 'That affected me, especially in our own city, like, how could it not? How did it not make you think about something?' The season of the show was in Minnesota's Twin Cities, where were riven in 2000 by protests following the murder of George Floyd by a white police officer who was later convicted. 'I asked him too, like, what his church's views are, and he said he didn't know,' Carton added. Carton said she watched an online sermon from his church about sexual identity, 'and it was traditional,' she said. 'I told that to Ben, and he doesn't really have much to say about it, you know? I want somebody to think about that stuff.' In an exclusive interview with People Magazine, Carton stood by her decision, which she said was largely about a lack of depth and misaligned values. 'The whole entire time, I wasn't looking for a right or wrong answer. I just wanted to have depth and be able to understand one another, where we came from, how we grew up, why are we thinking and having this perception of life and the world and the people around us the way we do. I love having those deep conversations,' she said.
