My co-worker can't keep political views to himself

[ClimateHawk]

He’s an older man in his late 50s and fairly well off. He just asked me how much do you think these 4 cases of work gloves cost? He said $550 for just 4 cases. He then said “Everything costs a little more these days. I hope people think about that when they vote this year.” I wanted to scream. I don’t know how the Democrats combat this thinking. It feels like we’re doomed as a country.

[Xavier Breath]

1. Is this a good example of the type of political exchange you typically have with him?

If it is then I would use it as an opportunity to engage. You could have discussed corporate greed being responsible for a large part of the price increases we're seeing, with CEOs actually bragging about sticking it t consumers. Now, if/when he gets obnoxious about a topic, then it's time to have a chat with the boss. My .02.

[ClimateHawk]

2. Usually he doesn't talk politics

One other example was during the 2022 midterms when he asked if I “voted the right way.”, meaning republican obviously. He’s a lead so he’s more of a supervisor but not mine. We just share an office together. It’s not a big deal but it’s infuriating when it happens. It makes me worry about the messaging from the democrats on the topic. Often I wonder if the public by and large has bought into it being the president’s fault. I don’t see a point in engaging because he’s probably heard about corporate greed explanation, but would still blame Biden anyway. I think a lot of it is the right wing media he takes in. One time he also said “the democrats want a communist country with just a few very rich people”. I try not to discuss politics at work. I’ve only discussed it with a couple other co-workers who are democrats most often when we’re not around others. In my view it’s better to focus on work and avoid the topic.

[Xavier Breath]

5. The first sample you cited seemed pretty innocuous, save the last line.

But the examples you cite here are over the line of acceptable workplace chatter. At the next occurrence I'd remind him that you're both there to work and that, while a quick convo about the weather, the local sports team or what somebody's kid said last night is okay, you do not wish to engage in a political discussion. If he can't respect that then you've officially fulfilled your neighborly obligation.

[The Wizard]

7. They tend toward the political ambush.

They have all their propaganda ready and normal people have other priorities. I usually tell them Trump is a jerkoff and a punk. That usually silences them.

[Emile]

3. So he thinks President Biden controls

World Wide inflation. I would told him everything costs more not because of President Biden, but for Predatory Capitalism greed.

[ClimateHawk]

6. Exactly

It’s like he’s thinking more emotional about it than logical. He most likely knows the more complex truth but would rather blame it on the President because it’s easier to do so.

[Tetrachloride]

4. how many pairs of gloves in 1 case ?

[ClimateHawk]

10. 10 packs of 100 in a case

So 1000 gloves per case. They’re the disposable type that Grainger sells.

[stopdiggin]

8. his politics and thought process are so commonplace

as to be almost unworthy of discussion. (and that is the strategy I'd suggest adopting)
But - surely you were aware that his knee-jerk and shallow perspective - are fairly widespread among the workplace? No, you don't have to put up with a toxic environment and have a right to establish some boundaries. On the other hand - quite clearly it's up to you to decide how much energy you wish to put into push-back and establishing that territory? And how successful that will be in the end.
(these 'types' are fairly well know for being loud self satisfied blowhards, that see themselves as 'right about everything'. are you willing to go head to head with that 50 hrs a week?)

[ClimateHawk]

11. I've noticed that too

It seems like right wing views are common in manufacturing environments.

[Emile]

12. Day after the election when Obama won

I walked into the dispatch office to get my paperwork for my run. The office was full of right wing truck drivers and the transportation manager. They were all whining about the election. It was no secret I was the only Democrat in the room. My transportation manager looks at me and says, I bet you are happy this morning. I openly laughed and said the Majority of Americans are Happy this morning. Not a peep from anyone, grabbed my paperwork and left for Michigan.

[Polybius]

9. I enjoy talking to my Republican co-workers about politics

During work it happens a lot, and I always seem to feel that I get the better of them. I just love politics, and debating is my specialty. Sometimes we even get a beer together after work and discuss it more.

[chouchou]

13. I would have said: Yes Sir! I sure am going to do that. The party that helped ..

..many citizens in this great country. We know the ones..the ones that brought in Medicare, Women's rights
Social Security and much much more!

[ClimateHawk]

14. He was across the room when he said it

I was busy at my desk and just ignored it. But yeah that would’ve been the right response.