re: If you’re trying to “convert” a leftist

generally the best way to change someone's views especially a progressive person is to find commonality first then discuss where ones ideas might be divergent in a rational articulated way and then allow space for them to think about these ideas after the discussion. Got ya's and name calling will get people emotional and they will stop listing to what you say.

However, If this is for a girlfriend or wife, I suggest you disregard the top paragraph and avoid any type of political discussion because you aren't going to change their mind and its just going to piss them off.