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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsDo you know any "nice" Republicans?
This is a spin-off of my question on Trump's base.
The way we talk about Republicans here, it seems they're all the same: dumb, fanatical, paranoid, gun lovers, ultra conservatives, and so on and on. So, do you know any who are just regular decent people who just happen to be Republicans?
I know one for sure and two more possibly. I've known the first one for forty-odd years; he's an NRA member, gun aficionado from waaaay back, and owns two AR-15s that are either in his gun safe or at the local range. Hell of a nice guy. We rarely talk politics (I shut him off quickly) but last June or so he said, and I quote, "I agree with Trump's policies; I just wish he'd shut up."
The two "possibles" are really nice too. They're a couple, and I'm guessing they're probably Republicans from various and sundry comments here and there, plus the fact that the guy is also a gun enthusiast -- which may mean absolutely nothing. Politics never come up here either: I suspect they know I'm a Democrat so they don't want to stir the pot.
So, do you know any "decent" Republicans? Half decent?
Lunabell
(6,080 posts)Apparently he hates trump and chose to sit this election out. At least, that's what he told me.
Blue_true
(31,261 posts)The issue that I have with Never Trumpers is they fail to recognize that they created Trump and people like Roy Moore and that once we get rid of Trump and people like Moore, they will start creating other monsters that we will have to fight.
He was a tea partier.
Takket
(21,563 posts)but he is republican and completely uniformed politically.
Blue_true
(31,261 posts)I once worked with a woman who was that way. Good charitable person, but let the conversation go to politics, incredible stuff came out of her mouth. I thought that it was she came from a longtime republican family, she was not racist, but was mixed up on economics, free speech. Never knew where she stood on LQBTQ people, with me being straight, living in a secure world and having a brother who had not yet come out.
Takket
(21,563 posts)i don't discuss politics at work unless i know it is with like minded persons.
Mariana
(14,856 posts)SCantiGOP
(13,869 posts)They are generally Republicans but not hard-core Trump supporters.
The Velveteen Ocelot
(115,683 posts)They live in rural Nebraska. We don't discuss politics.
marylandblue
(12,344 posts)It's just that they have their issues that concern them. One is a born again Christian who mostly cares about abortion. Another is scared to death of immigrant gangs. Others have other issues.
I do know two deplorables though.
Skittles
(153,160 posts)that is putting it mildly
marylandblue
(12,344 posts)usually centered on a distinct issue or two. One doesn't like regulation and affirmative action. He is part native american but never sought a native american preference for a job. He says he is white on job applications.
One is a libertarian and it's all about the economics. One is ex-military and it's all about defense and patriotism, but he actually sounds like a liberal to me. One is a California Republican, which is like being a Democrat in other states. I don't think that one voted for Trump.
Skittles
(153,160 posts)repukes crashed the economy
all about defense and patriotism?
repukes invaded a country based on lies, and colluded with a foreign enemy to put Trump in office
I won't even bother with the "white Indian"
marylandblue
(12,344 posts)Just that they thought certain ways and that made them republicans. Not bad people.
CaliforniaPeggy
(149,611 posts)helpisontheway
(5,007 posts)Around Trump but let Trump off. I will be shocked if he ties Trump to any of it. He could say Trump is a clueless man that unknowingly surrounded himself my crooks. Total lie but in the end Mueller is a Republican. I hope he will be our country over any loyalty to Trump but we will see. I truly hope Im wrong. Nothing would make me happier. I want to see them drag Trump away in handcuffs.
Hoyt
(54,770 posts)support trump and the white wing racist base. I think most do. If they did not vote for trump, maybe they have some redeeming qualities.
Heck, in the South when I was growing up, Dixiecrats were quite disgusting. Of course, they migrated to the GOP after the Civil Right Act.
brush
(53,776 posts)racism and blustering stupidity.
democratisphere
(17,235 posts)individual is not a nice person. Dumb and stupid is not an excuse. There are many things wrong with that GOP person.
Blue_true
(31,261 posts)Some did not vote for Trump and loath him, but can't let go of their pet issues, so they put a Rubio or Scott into office in Florida. Trump won Florida by around 160,000 with HIS people really riled up. A lot of our people chose not to vote. Because of rural areas, republicans hold a statewide registration advantage of around 10% over democrats in Florida.
Skittles
(153,160 posts)anyone willing to overlook racism, misogyny, homophobia, xenophobia etc for a"pet issue" SUCKS
but no doubt their PET ISSUE falls somewhere in the above categories
Ohiogal
(31,989 posts)Blue_true
(31,261 posts)There are around 260,000 more democrats than republicans in Florida. Trump beat Clinton by 113,000 votes in Florida. 81,731 people voted for Stein and 89,982 appear to have written in or voted for really fringe. I am guessing lots of the 89,982 were for Bernie since he was not officially on the ballot.
Florida registration: democrat around 4,690,700, republican 4,431,800.
Election results in Florida:
Clinton: 4,504,975
Trump: 4,617,886
Blue_true
(31,261 posts)Generally decent until they talk politics, then they become angry and pessimistic. If I get trapped with one at a social or business gathering, I get away from them as fast as possible.
pangaia
(24,324 posts)highplainsdem
(48,975 posts)GulfCoast66
(11,949 posts)Skittles
(153,160 posts)you cannot be decent and root for a party that is racist, homophobic, misogynist, xenophobic, pro-torture, anti-worker, anti-science, etc....you CAN'T
democratisphere
(17,235 posts)Skittles
(153,160 posts)see, I can't overlook "stuff" like that
democratisphere
(17,235 posts)overlook so much horrible and heinous ideas, positions and behavior? I can't!
treestar
(82,383 posts)Nice to people they meet, or family.
I have an uncle and aunt who even do charity work with the poor. But underneath, their attitude has to somehow come out and the poor they are serving likely realize they do not think of them as equals.
HipChick
(25,485 posts)GitRDun
(1,846 posts)Skittles
(153,160 posts)Blue_true
(31,261 posts)He just does not like Trump. But he is a typical Never Trumper.
dchill
(38,484 posts)Kasich is anything but decent.
RazBerryBeret
(3,075 posts)has a shitty record with women's rights. He sneaks things into bills, he's good at hiding what he really is. He has managed to look like a decent republican because all the others are so crappy, but his record in Ohio is not great.
Ohiogal
(31,989 posts)He tried to axe public unions in Ohio.
He has consistently signed legislation to chip away at women's rights to health care in Ohio.
He said in one of the debates that he would be embarrassed for his daughters to see Hillary as president.
He is a typical anti-public-education, anti-woman, cut-taxes-to-the-1% republican.
bearsfootball516
(6,377 posts)We don't really discuss politics. He's been a lifelong republican. He's honestly the nicest guy I've ever met, would go the extra yard for you every time, the definition of a would give you the shirt off his back person.
napi21
(45,806 posts)I've decided it's better to never discuss politics or religion except with fellow Democrats. The past has convinced me that nothing I could ever say or do will change anyone's beliefs on either subject and it eliminates a lot of arguments and enemies.
Binkie The Clown
(7,911 posts)Atticus
(15,124 posts)Kali
(55,007 posts)Most people are decent when you get to know them. All groups have assholes. Admittedly that party seems to have a lot more than most, but there are plenty of decent, nice republicans.
Bettie
(16,095 posts)but now, I can barely look at my Trump-loving relatives and in-laws without revulsion.
These people who I thought were decent have removed their masks. Since the election they are openly racist, more open about their homophobia, and generally, they make much less of an effort to be nice to people around them.
Guess that's the Trump Effect, isn't it? People have permission to be the absolute worst version of themselves.
The Genealogist
(4,723 posts)He was a great man. He was kind, considerate, thoughtful and moderate. He drew great pleasure from the simple things in life, loved his family and worked hard. He treated Grandma with great respect, supporting her as she worked toward and won her ultimate goal of a PhD. I adored him, still do.
I would find it hard to imagine him supporting that thing in the White House; he was in so many ways the opposite of Trump.
marybourg
(12,631 posts)most generous people I know. Yet they also believe some of the worst right wing lies. A Dem friend who also knows them and I discuss this frequently. Neither of us can reconcile or understand the dichotomy.
Crunchy Frog
(26,579 posts)She died a few years ago, but I really loved her and considered her to be one of my dearest friends.
I don't think she quite grasped that it wasn't still the party of Eisenhower.
colsohlibgal
(5,275 posts)A lady who is often my doubles partner in competitive tennis is. As nice, generous , and kind as can be but a legacy republican. How someone like that could vote for someone like Orange Hitler is beyond me.
tblue37
(65,340 posts)USALiberal
(10,877 posts)tblue37
(65,340 posts)many are religious. Propaganda and tribalism cause many to see being Republican as part of their identity, and many can't even imagine going against their family's identity marker.
Nevertheless, most are good people and very nice. They don't approve of what Trump says, and they cringe at his and the GOP's ugliest policies, but they are human, and humans are tribal. It takes a lot of education, effort, self-reflection, and external encouragement to shed the identity stamped on one throughout one's childhood.
My parents were Republican and my extended Sicilian-American family mostly are, too. Most don't follow politics closely. They just vote "their" party. It is part of their tribal identity.
One reason people like former NOLA Mayor Nagin and Tulsi Gabbard switch to become Democrats is that they knew that they couldn't get elected as Republicans in their area (or sometimes because they know they will lose the GOP primary), but they also know that voters will vote their party, without actually paying attention to their beliefs, their background, or their past statements or actions, as long as they have a "D" after their name. That's how we get some DINOs, including those like the West Virginia governor, Jim Justice. From Wikipedia:
USALiberal
(10,877 posts)Thanks for the good information.
I feel in the minority here. But never get a good answer to why anyone is a republican.
tblue37
(65,340 posts)RainCaster
(10,870 posts)I have a BIL who is a Catholic single issue voter. Damn nice guy but a flawed logic about abortion trumping all other decisions in life.
Then there is the couple who used to live next door to us. Fair people, but fervent Repubs. They think 45 walks on water, and no amount of investigations will change that. They drool the "fake news" line reflexively.
My brother and his wife are devoted Repubs. They live in a largely Hispanic community and they long for the days when "it was all white". It never was, I grew up in the same town. The days when minorities had to be back across the river ended before we were born. Downright loyal and sensible on family issues, and two people I always like having in my corner.
I suppose there can be something good in just about any person, even those who have chosen different political stance than us. Except for...
The pastor in my old church. Probably one of the most egotistical blow-hards I have ever met. The reason I haven't been involved with a church in 5 years, and I am ordained. The reason my kids left the church and may never go back. Yes, I think he will have to answer for that one day.
loyalsister
(13,390 posts)I have may family members who are republicans and are kind and decent to those they care about. I also have some Democratic friends and family members who are very similar. Concerned with people in their circle but have no regard for the well being of people they have distance from.
tammywammy
(26,582 posts)I have a lot of friends that are conservatives but not Trump supposryers.
OnDoutside
(19,956 posts)supportive of the GOP giving the trillion dollars to the rich ? Are they are of the implications of gutting the ACA and the plan to gut Medicaid ?
I'm just wondering what they actually believe in, and what they think conservativism means.
Ohiogal
(31,989 posts)think Medicaid is a handout to the unworthy and lazy, one that causes them to pay much higher taxes. They must think that 99% of their tax dollars go towards Medicaid, I'm not kidding.
pnwmom
(108,977 posts)to push him out of office than we are.
We are all depending on Bob Mueller doing his job. And he, by the way, is a Republican.
Raine
(30,540 posts)they're family members and I love them.
USALiberal
(10,877 posts)Hekate
(90,674 posts)...unless they give some indication that they are horrified by Trump and disillusioned by the GOP.
But then I am retired and have more choice about who I spend my time with. If I were still working and other people's politics impacted my workplace I'd have to try to draw clear boundaries to keep the office civil.
I do discuss politics with people I already agree with, because it gives us all solace that we are not alone in our horror.
I Resist the current government, not my next door neighbor.
KY_EnviroGuy
(14,490 posts)Probably do know some but have avoided any party identity.
All the ones I do know are invariably smart-ass. You mention the weather and in 15-seconds, it's politics in yer face.
................
arthritisR_US
(7,288 posts)stonecutter357
(12,697 posts)quaker bill
(8,224 posts)When my mom was terminally ill a long time ago, many came by to assist and support the family, bringing covered dishes, and were individually quite caring.
More recently as my father in law became disabled for a time with a hip replacement, many people from the deep red community where he lives, came by with food, took him to appointments and shopping, free for nothing as he recovered. I have met some of them and they seem quite nice. We do not discuss politics.
It is pretty well documented that republicans, even the particularly conservative sort, are individually really quite nice and even generous to other members of what they perceive as their tribe or community. The question more generally revolves around the limits of community and how quickly the generosity falls off as the boundary is reached.
RandiFan1290
(6,229 posts)Give them enough time and they will expose themselves.
samplegirl
(11,477 posts)and when you point things out about them...to them they really dont see their own hypocrisy. Or even their own lack of compassion.
FloridaBlues
(4,008 posts)enough
(13,259 posts)land-conservation issues. Most of them have died or no longer active and I dont seem much of them any more. To a person, they were very intelligent, courteous, friendly, caring people. We all knew about our differences in political opinions and just worked on the things we had in common.
I know they all would have despised and feared Trump.
w100jmi
(97 posts)Republicans in the south are much different than republicans in ohio. Very rude and cut-throat. These are so-called Christians and all they do is bash democrats and wished me harm. I simply do not engage in their political talk. I learned quickly after meeting the first few southern repubs that they can't handle a rational discussion, it always leads to an extreme end of hate. So much for southern charm! I want to move back to ohio but we are kind of stuck here now.
WhiskeyGrinder
(22,329 posts)spinbaby
(15,089 posts)Both senile.
bigtree
(85,996 posts)...there's nothing 'nice' about the republican party, or their politics or policies.
Voting republican is either ignorant, or an act of meanness, or both.
I think the answer to this rests with just how directly you're affected by their policies, or with just how much you care about how devastating republican policies are on folks out here.
CanonRay
(14,101 posts)My cousin is intelligent, but is a selfish, uncaring prick. Best I can offer.
Locrian
(4,522 posts)Most of them think they are "better" than the average person.
It terrifies them to think they would have to "associate" with the masses.
Everything else, especially economics - flows from that.
Never mind they have more in common with the "common folk" and the "economics" hurt them - they think they're hitching their wagon to the "more powerful" vs the "common / weak".
Having to realize the error would mean destroying their world.
dawg
(10,624 posts)Lovey-dovey, even.
But then again ... I am Christian, white and relatively well-off.
lanlady
(7,134 posts)despise Trump and may never vote GOP again.
CountAllVotes
(20,868 posts)He lives in Texas and he did not vote for tRump. He has been hoping for his impeachment since Day #1.
He says he is a Repug because he has a "more conservative stance on life" what the hell ever that means.
That said, he IS a very nice man. Too bad he is a puke. Kind of keeps our relationship at arms distance (probably just as well anyway ... I guess).
northoftheborder
(7,572 posts)...used to be Democrats (the older ones) so they lean toward racism.
Many Younger Republicans (middle aged) are R because of conservative social views on abortion,
"family values" etc..
Some here are "gun nuts" and fearful of change in general.
Some Republicans who voted for Trump would now never admit it, and are very evasive about his conservative qualities..
A lot are just misinformed and will probably always be that way.
Many are very friendly, nice, helpful people, BUT I do not discuss politics with them. Have to look to Democratic friends for that.
oberliner
(58,724 posts)Family members, close friends. There are lots of nice Republicans.
As Hillary said - there are two baskets, "the deplorables" is only one of them. Lots of good (though misguided) people in the other.
OhZone
(3,212 posts)They are generally truly nice ONLY to people they perceive as part of their limited tribe. Many have learned to pretend to be nice superficially.
My very liberal Uncle's conservative friend is a perfect example. He is a very unhappy and nasty person except to my Uncle and a couple of his close relatives. (They have a long friendship partly based on saving each other's lives in an a motorcycle accident, and oh, they're both Cowboy fans.)
He seems to hate me because I'm lesbian. And an extrovert. Barely even talks to me or even Nick's daughter or wife, when I come over to Uncle Nick's house and he's there. Usually frowning. I've seen him completely emotionless when he watches different shows. Even when the Cowboys win, he doesn't smile or cheer. He only laughs when it's a black comedian making fun of other blacks. I've studied him whenever I go over to my Uncle's house. He doesn't seem to have any joy. He doesn't seem to know how to choose the good guys and cheer for them. Or am I just a silly, naive little girl inside? I like to see the good guys win and enjoy it!
Another of my Uncle's friend's is a mechanic/used vehicle salesman. Complete sociopath. I've heard him change his positions on a dime to suck up to customers. Not just try to be quiet about issues, but he knows his customers and lies to them always. He attacks Trump when I'm around him, and praises him to others when he thinks I'm not listening.
Even at work, I've caught many Cons being sociopaths, friendly superficially, conniving liars underneath.
Yeah, I don't have much respect for Conservatives.
ananda
(28,858 posts)I can't even begin to explain it.
Another good friend is farther left than I am,
thank goodness!
LAS14
(13,783 posts)... educated when I met very good people who felt strongly that care for their neighbors should come from the private sector, not government. And they practiced what they preached with time and money. I think they were mistaken about what can be accomplished this way in a complex society. We're out of touch but I'm certain they don't support Donald Trump. But we need to be able to recognize this (Republicans who are nice) if we expect to move forward as a society.