Do you know any "nice" Republicans?

[grumpyduck]

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]

1. My dad

Apparently he hates trump and chose to sit this election out. At least, that's what he told me.

[Blue_true]

15. He could be a bonafide Never Trumper.

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.

[Lunabell]

31. Yep

He was a tea partier.

[Takket]

2. i work with a guy that is very nice, very smart as to his job duties

but he is republican and completely uniformed politically.

[Blue_true]

20. Have you figured out why that happen?

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]

22. no never asked. he's probably about 60....

i don't discuss politics at work unless i know it is with like minded persons.

[Mariana]

87. Intelligence does not make one immune to propaganda. nt.

[SCantiGOP]

3. Yes, quite a few

They are generally Republicans but not hard-core Trump supporters.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

4. Yes, one of the nicest families I know.

They live in rural Nebraska. We don't discuss politics.

[marylandblue]

5. Most of the Republicans I know are "nice"

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]

18. "they have other issues"

that is putting it mildly

[marylandblue]

36. No, I mean they each have politically conservative views

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]

54. all about the economics?

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]

63. I didn't say I agreed with them

Just that they thought certain ways and that made them republicans. Not bad people.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

6. Aside from Robert Mueller, no, I don't know any. n/t

[MLAA]

10. +1

[helpisontheway]

69. I dont fully trust Mueller. He could indict everyone

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 I’m wrong. Nothing would make me happier. I want to see them drag Trump away in handcuffs.

[Hoyt]

7. Dont think it has always been this way, but even nice GOPers are Deplorable if they

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]

52. I'm with you on this. If they voted for trump they sided with his misogyny...

racism and blustering stupidity.

[democratisphere]

8. No such thing. If an individual supports the GOP in it's present state, that

individual is not a nice person. Dumb and stupid is not an excuse. There are many things wrong with that GOP person.

[MLAA]

12. +1

[Blue_true]

29. I don't fully agree with you.

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]

34. ......

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]

76. EXACTLY.

[Blue_true]

41. Made some errors.

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]

9. The republicans that I know are about like the ones you know.

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]

11. How about they guy who was ambassador to China?

[highplainsdem]

13. Yes.

[GulfCoast66]

14. Many of them

[Skittles]

16. I don't give a fuck how "nice" they are

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]

19. Thank you. I agree!

[Skittles]

23. "we just don't talk about it"

see, I can't overlook "stuff" like that

[democratisphere]

28. I catch hell for not overlooking redumbliCON stuff, but how can you

overlook so much horrible and heinous ideas, positions and behavior? I can't!

[treestar]

74. Nice on the surface

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]

17. Yeah, worked with one for over a decade, he's now a senator

[GitRDun]

21. John Kasich seems like a decent guy nt

[Skittles]

24. he is an asshole

http://gawker.com/john-kasich-was-a-dick-eight-years-ago-and-hes-still-a-1766239915

[Blue_true]

32. Not really, anti LGBTQ, anti Choice, anti Labor, anti Teachers.

He just does not like Trump. But he is a typical Never Trumper.

[dchill]

38. Operative word, "seems."

Kasich is anything but decent.

[RazBerryBeret]

64. kasich

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]

77. Don't let him fool you

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]

25. My father

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]

26. Yes, my DIL. and all the nursing staff at the wound clinic i go to.

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]

27. My 96 year old mother. nt

[Atticus]

30. Dwight Eisenhower, Everett Dirksen, Abraham Lincoln-----nt

[Kali]

33. Plenty.

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]

35. I used to think I did

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]

37. My grandfather

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]

39. Yes, some of the kindest,

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]

40. An old lady I used to be a health aide for.

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]

42. At Least One

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]

43. Quite a few, actually. nt

[USALiberal]

66. Details? nt

[tblue37]

75. I live in Kansas. Many of my college students come from very conservative parts of the state, and

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:

In 2015, Justice switched from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party and announced his candidacy for Governor in the 2016 election. He ran as a Democrat and defeated the Republican nominee, Bill Cole. Less than seven months after taking office, Justice switched back to the Republican Party the day after announcing his plans at a Donald Trump rally in the state.

[USALiberal]

83. I live in Overland Park area also.......

Thanks for the good information.

I feel in the minority here. But never get a good answer to why anyone is a republican.

[tblue37]

84. In Overland Park, a lot are in it for the money. They are the ones who only vote their wallet. nt

[RainCaster]

44. I know a few

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]

45. Several

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]

46. I live in Texas.

I have a lot of friends that are conservatives but not Trump supposryers.

[OnDoutside]

51. What do they mean when they say conservative ? Are they aware and

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]

79. My conservative relatives

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]

47. There are Republicans who were against DT from the beginning, and they aren't any more able

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]

48. Yes I do

they're family members and I love them.

[USALiberal]

67. Why are the republicans?? nt

[Hekate]

49. Yes, any number of decent people. I just don't ever, ever discuss politics with Republicans...

...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]

50. Not these days but did back in the 60s and 70s.

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]

53. Decent republican, that is an oxymoron.

[stonecutter357]

55. not a one .

[quaker bill]

56. it depends on your definition of "nice"

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]

57. I've never met one that wasn't a racist.

Give them enough time and they will expose themselves.

[samplegirl]

58. Not really

and when you point things out about them...to them they really don’t see their own hypocrisy. Or even their own lack of compassion.

[FloridaBlues]

59. Aunt and uncle are republicans who voted trump

[enough]

60. I know a number of elderly republicans who were active in environmental and

land-conservation issues. Most of them have died or no longer active and I don’t 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]

61. When I grew up in OH, yes. After moving to SC, NO!

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]

62. Yes.

[spinbaby]

65. A couple

Both senile.

[bigtree]

68. here's the deal

...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]

70. No, none

My cousin is intelligent, but is a selfish, uncaring prick. Best I can offer.

[Locrian]

71. I know a few

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]

72. They're all nice to me.

Lovey-dovey, even.

But then again ... I am Christian, white and relatively well-off.

[lanlady]

73. Most nice Republicans I know

—despise Trump and may never vote GOP again.

[CountAllVotes]

78. My newly found cousin

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]

80. Texas Republicans...

...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]

81. Many

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]

82. Sure - BUT -

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]

85. Two good friends are Reep.

I can't even begin to explain it.

Another good friend is farther left than I am,
thank goodness!

[LAS14]

86. Yes. When my husband's job took us to Ohio from Massachusetts, I was...

... 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.

[d_r]

88. Yes many of them