Prior to joining the US Senate two years ago Vance had no political experience. Prior to election he was known as an author.

Obama had a brief time in the Senate, but he had served in state legislature and a lot of political action community organizing positions, along with teaching law. If people start to compare Vance with Obama, make the point that Obama has always been politically active and engaged.

I'm reading Jen Psaki's book Say More: Lessons from Work, the White House, and the World. Chapter 10 opens with

REPORTER: A lot of Americans are saying that, you know, the surges are happening under President Biden's watch after he reversed some previous policy. So does the administration take any accountability for what's happening?

ME: Who are the Americans?

REPORTER: Well, I know you don't want to answer to him, but the former president just released a statement saying that "the Biden administration must act immediately to end the border nightmare that they have unleashed onto our nation."

ME: Former president Trump?

REPORTER: Yes.

ME: We don't take our advice or counsel from former president Trump on immigration policy, which was not only inhumane but ineffective over the last four years. We're going to chart our own path forward, and that includes treating children with humanity and respect, and ensuring they're safe when they cross our borders.

From there, she notes (the reason for that quote):

One of Donald Trump's favorite media strategies is to refer to non-specified "people" who just happen to be "saying" exactly the same thing he's been saying. If you don't hear the sarcasm in there about how I feel about this tactic, read again.
Part of the issue is of course that Trump has a relationship with the truth that is generously described as tenuous. He loves to quote straw men, nameless groups of made-up "people," because he knows those arguments can be effective. . .

The thing with any attribution made by Trump or his mouthpieces is to ask WHO they are speaking about. Ask for sources. Mostly it will be whole cloth, out of Trump's imagination. His only source is himself, and his lack of interest in studying any issue deeply needs to be highlighted.

This is a tip for man-on-the-street conversations, but also a reminder that when you cite articles you've read, keep track of where your sources are, so you can show your work, as it were, in one of those conversations if need be.

Ashley Judd recently posted a video of a family conversation with her step-father; they are politically polar opposites, but are determined that the politics won't get in the way of their family love. Having conversations with friends who support the other guy - keep it civil, and know your sources. I have neighbors on each side of me who support Trump, but we have managed to stay friends. Partly by not discussing politics, or by sticking to the issues that we agree on. By keeping it civil I have a better chance of changing their minds. :)