A red “Call a Republican” pay phone was installed outside Black Serum Tattoo in San Francisco as part of a social experiment. The “Call a Democrat” pay phone sits outside of Seven and One Books in Abilene, Texas. In one recording, Steve — a San Francisco man who identifies as a liberal — asks, “Are you a Republican?” to a mother of four in Abilene. The San Francisco phone booth is set up outside of Black Serum Tattoo studio in the Mission District. AdvertisementMeanwhile, some 1,600 miles away in Abilene, the owner of Seven and One Books, Arlene Kasselman, also has been delighted with the response to the phone outside her store.

Source: Los Angeles Times January 24, 2026 19:45 UTC