Jimmy Reed and Lauren Taylor: On Political Discourse

Lauren: Hey, Jimmy, I'd like to apologize for my outburst earlier.

Jimmy: softly There's no need to apologize, hon. I understand how you're feeling.

Lauren: Thanks, Jimmy! You always were the supportive type. pauses briefly So, anyway, how is your research going? Regarding political discourse, I mean.

Jimmy: Well, it's a bit of a tough task. I do have a Facebook page and a Twitter account, but I mainly use them to update things pertaining to my musical career. So, uh, this whole internet social media thing is just... I actually went ahead and decided to register to two political sites, and even begin to do some... posting... over there. Of course, I didn't sign up as myself.

Lauren: intrigued Oh, really? That's gotta be interesting. Do you mind letting me take a look?

Jimmy: Oh, no, not at all. This is gonna be a real hard part, though. On one site, I have to pretend to be a Republican - and, on another site, I have to pretend to be a Democrat. So it's gonna be a bit hard for me to, uh, keep in character.

Lauren: nodding Yeah, I can imagine that. Is that so you can interact directly with those people, and maybe try to understand what's in their minds?

Jimmy: Pretty much, yeah. I gotta be as fair about this as possible. At this rate, I don't know if I will get my column up before... before Election Day.

Lauren: Well, lemme know if there's anything I can do to help.

Jimmy: Of course, dear. I know the internet has been around for over two decades, now - but this is still such a new experience for me.

Lauren: Imagine if they asked you... "What do you think of Jimmy Reed?"

Jimmy: chuckling Indeed, that would be pretty awkward. I'm not sure how I'd answer that. glancing around Well, dear, you wanna make some blood meringues?

Lauren: That's a good idea, Jimmy. My mouth is watering, just thinking about them.

Jimmy: All right, why don't you wash your hands - and I'll go get out the ingredients?