What do I say to my Dad's extreme right wing friend during his visit to New York?
What do I say to my Dad's extreme right wing friend during his visit to New York?
Winston3
Featured Actor Joined: 8/25/08
#1What do I say to my Dad's extreme right wing friend during his visit to New York?
Posted: 12/8/08 at 8:11am
My dad has a childhood friend who is visiting home (New York City) in a couple of weeks. They get along great but the only problem is the discussion of politics. He is going to want to hear about me voting for the first time and wants to know I am sure who I voted for (Obama and proud of that fact). But, he is a STRONG Republican who is convinced that Bush is one of the best presidents that we have seen in our nations history. He also believes that Obama is someone who has connection to terrorists and is a socialist/communist.
What do I say to a person like this?
#2re: What do I say to my Dad's extreme right wing friend during his visit to New York?
Posted: 12/8/08 at 8:21amYou have two options: exhaust yourself arguing your side, or smile sweetly and say that it's a secret ballot for a reason.
StockardFan
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/19/08
#2re: What do I say to my Dad's extreme right wing friend during his visit to New York?
Posted: 12/8/08 at 8:29amExcellent advice, Mistress O!
#3re: What do I say to my Dad's extreme right wing friend during his visit to
Posted: 12/8/08 at 9:12am
What do I say to a person like this?
NOTHING. You have nothing to say to him. A person who's as close minded as that. If I were you. I will not waste my time! If he starts the issue- smile at him at tell him you dont want to talk about politics~ if he insist.. tell him that IF you are old enough to VOTE- youre old enough too -to make the choice of NOT talking to him about politics.
Most people will leave you- if you sound firm and serious!
J*
#4re: What do I say to my Dad's extreme right wing friend during his visit to
Posted: 12/8/08 at 9:15amMy friend's technique around election time with his family: "I'm sorry, I didn't hear you. What did you say?" Repeated enough times, it gets the point across.
#5re: What do I say to my Dad's extreme right wing friend during his visit to
Posted: 12/8/08 at 9:20amListen for a while, then say, "You are SO funny--you almost HAD me there for a minute? What a kidder."
#6re: What do I say to my Dad's extreme right wing friend during his visit to
Posted: 12/8/08 at 9:21amSome contrarian advie - I think adults of differing opinions should be able to discuss politics rationally and maturely.
nygrl232
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/19/08
#7re: What do I say to my Dad's extreme right wing friend during his visit to
Posted: 12/8/08 at 9:24am
If adults can discuss it maturely, then sure. A lot of people get into tiffs.
If this is a tiffy situation and if he insists on talking about it by saying, "Ooo, a 'secret' ballot? Heh, bet you voted for Obama, then. Typical--young people don't know anything," etc. etc., then simply ask him what his intentions are in asking and insisting. Did he come all the way to NYC to visit your family to start a heated debate, or to enjoy his stay? The former reflects ill on his politics.
Updated On: 12/8/08 at 09:24 AM
#8re: What do I say to my Dad's extreme right wing friend during his visit to
Posted: 12/8/08 at 9:29am
What do I say to a person like this?
Say hello. This guy is your dad's friend, not yours. Be polite and remember a 'sudden engagement, school report, etc.' if the subject turns to politics.
#9re: What do I say to my Dad's extreme right wing friend during his visit to
Posted: 12/8/08 at 10:01am
Calmly explain to him that you've been dating his son for awhile and plan to get married in MA.
Maybe ask him to help plan the ceremony.
Gothampc
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/03
#10re: What do I say to my Dad's extreme right wing friend during his visit to
Posted: 12/8/08 at 10:12amLook your dad's friend straight in the eye and say "Some people on Broadwayworld.com think I'm a sock puppet".
#11re: What do I say to my Dad's extreme right wing friend during his visit to
Posted: 12/8/08 at 10:13amTaz, thank you for the Monday morning laugh. That's definitely my suggestion. But really, I'd probably just say that for the first time in eight years, his opinion is no longer the one that matters. So to get used to this. I find it so fun when a hardcore republican (my own father, for one) talks about how horrible Obama is and everything. I just smile and remember all the "WE DID IT"s I heard on Election Night.
#12re: What do I say to my Dad's extreme right wing friend during his visit to
Posted: 12/8/08 at 10:20am
It sounds like your dad is also liberal. If that's so, then if politics is brought up I'm sure he will do some debating himself or just drop it. I'd say if you're dad argues, then by all means back him up, but if he doesn't then don't say anything either.
And then run out of the room and go scream into a pillow.
(FYI, My family is filled with hardcore Republicans. I know exactly how you feel.)
Unknown User
Joined: 12/31/69
#13re: What do I say to my Dad's extreme right wing friend during his visit to
Posted: 12/8/08 at 10:22am"Oh my goodness! We MUST change the subject! My father taught me to respect my elders no matter how full of **** they are!"
#14re: What do I say to my Dad's extreme right wing friend during his visit to
Posted: 12/8/08 at 10:25am
well, start by saying hello.
Roscoe
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/15/03
#15re: What do I say to my Dad's extreme right wing friend during his visit to
Posted: 12/8/08 at 10:30am
"I think adults of differing opinions should be able to discuss politics rationally and maturely."
There can be no rational or mature discussion with someone who believes that Bush is one of the best Presidents in our history, or that Obama has ties to terrorists.
I'd say to smile and be polite. I like the "secret ballot" line. A glassy eyed-stare and continual checkings of the watch can be most effective as indications that certain topics are not welcome.
#16re: What do I say to my Dad's extreme right wing friend during his visit to
Posted: 12/8/08 at 3:03pmtell him to go eat a dick then offer to feed him yours
#17re: What do I say to my Dad's extreme right wing friend during his visit to
Posted: 12/8/08 at 3:05pmJust smile and tell him who you voted for.
#18re: What do I say to my Dad's extreme right wing friend during his visit to
Posted: 12/8/08 at 3:13pm
"I voted for the candidate I believe will do our country the most good."
I don't see anything wrong with being open and honest, but do prepare a dignified response should he decide he needs to argue you with you and you're uncomfortable pursuing it.
"I'm sorry the difference in our views bothers you; let's not pursue this line of discussion any further. Tell me, how is your wife/kid/herbaceous border these days?" or something. A polite but firm topic change.
Updated On: 12/8/08 at 03:13 PM
TheatreDiva90016
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/10/04
#19re: What do I say to my Dad's extreme right wing friend during his visit to
Posted: 12/8/08 at 4:05pm
How about, "It's none of your Go'Dammed business! Did I ask you who YOU voted for? NO, I DIDN'T, because I DON'T CARE TO HEAR YOUR OPINION, SO DON"T ASK ME FOR MINE!!!!!"
Really loud.
Winston3
Featured Actor Joined: 8/25/08
#20re: What do I say to my Dad's extreme right wing friend during his visit to
Posted: 12/8/08 at 5:51pmMy dad's friend was over for dinner tonight and let's say it didn't go as well as I had wanted. He is someone that is happy when someone who turns 18 actually cares about an election and chooses to vote. However when I told him I didn't care to say who I voted for he took it as a sign that I voted for Obama and rolled his eyes. He then started to spill out the same right wing propaganda that we all have heard time and time again. He asked me how can I vote for a man who has terrorist ties. My response was if you think he has terrorist ties then I have a bridge in Brooklyn to tell you. He then responded with a false story about Obama and Ayers and I told him the truth. Needless to say he got backed into a corner by my dad, and my eldest brother who was a political science major in college and the biggest loud mouth Democrat you could ever meet. Aquward it was but I did have some help.
TheatreDiva90016
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/10/04
#21re: What do I say to my Dad's extreme right wing friend during his visit to
Posted: 12/8/08 at 6:10pm
Did ya slap him?
I would have.
Winston3
Featured Actor Joined: 8/25/08
#22re: What do I say to my Dad's extreme right wing friend during his visit to
Posted: 12/8/08 at 6:11pmI'm not gonna lie. The thought of punching him did seem pretty tempting several times during the conversation.
TheatreDiva90016
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/10/04
#23re: What do I say to my Dad's extreme right wing friend during his visit to
Posted: 12/8/08 at 6:13pm
I would have ended with, "Since McCain didn't get elected, I guess that makes him, and you, a loser."
Good for you for sticking to your guns.
Winston3
Featured Actor Joined: 8/25/08
#24re: What do I say to my Dad's extreme right wing friend during his visit to
Posted: 12/8/08 at 6:20pmMy favorite part was when we were talking about how the Iraq war is a repeat of Vietnam. He was saying that in both wars we were greeted with open arms. My fast response was "yes because in Iraq I am sure that killing people left and right is just our special way of saying hello. But, back in the sixties our way of saying hello was raping the women of Vietnam and dropping napalm on towns."
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