The Republican congressman from South Carolina, Jeff Duncan, is well-known for vocally endorsing conservative leaders and policies. He caused a stir in 2016 when he said that, in spite of general doubts about his chances, he was confident that Texas Senator Ted Cruz could win.

Duncan's comment was aimed at those who questioned Cruz's ability to win the Republican presidential nomination. Duncan challenged the veracity of these skepticisms by arguing that instead of discounting Cruz based on rumors or preconceptions, people ought to speak with him directly. His words served as a wake-up call, urging people to reconsider their presumptions and engage in meaningful conversation with those who may be unfairly criticized.

To put it another way, consider someone claiming that your friend is incapable of winning a game if they have never played a round together. Duncan's argument is equivalent to saying to that individual, "Really? Have you attempted to play the game with them at all? This metaphor highlights the significance of comparing opinions to reality and the ease with which they can be formed based on insufficient information.

Duncan's quote perfectly captures the idea of not relying on someone else's ability or value unless you have firsthand knowledge. It promotes a more accepting mindset in which people are evaluated based on their own interactions rather than opinions from others, emphasizing the importance of face-to-face communication in developing truthful perceptions of individuals and their potential.