General Discussion

jmbar2

(8,121 posts)

83. Here's an idea...

Sun Dec 24, 2017, 08:45 PM

Dec 2017

Ask him to describe an ideal society with the highest quality of life - what makes a high quality of life?

Don't argue the points - just get him brainstorming - compliment him on his good ideas. Write them down. Then ask, which nation(s), other than the US are closest to his ideal. In all likelihood, he will name one of the most socialist nations:

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/07/these-countries-have-the-highest-quality-of-life

Then quickly change the subject, and avoid all political discussions from that point on.

I've tried this tactic on hardcores, and it generally gets them to thinking. Once you get them on territory where there are no established talking points, their arguments start to lose steam. They can only argue established talking points.

Any hypothetical case outside of established talking points will probably do.

Another idea: Suppose an evil international cabal were to plot to peacefully take over the US to coopt all of its assets. What would be their first move? (Take over media, engage in propaganda). How would you know if your favorite media had been taken over for propaganda purposes?

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Dreading Tomorrow, Christmas Dinner with my GF's Republican Brother [View all] Wiseman32218 Dec 2017 OP

Kansas Achilleaze Dec 2017 #1

I use that along with these cities are the one's that take care of the lower class and he just Wiseman32218 Dec 2017 #3

Ignore it. pintobean Dec 2017 #2

I try, but we will be at his house, he things like other Trump voters, no others matter!! Wiseman32218 Dec 2017 #5

He sounds like a controlling jerk, to be honest.. whathehell Dec 2017 #29

Yes ignore him. Maybe your GF will get the courage to tell him he is being rude. Irish_Dem Dec 2017 #21

NYC is one of the safest places in the country VMA131Marine Dec 2017 #4

I bring that up and he credits Guiliani and stop and frisk Wiseman32218 Dec 2017 #7

Giuliani hasn't been mayor since 2002 VMA131Marine Dec 2017 #11

Pesky details. Cha Dec 2017 #54

NYC crime has decreased significantly since Giuliani too! VMA131Marine Dec 2017 #57

I'm so glad.. I have a Cha Dec 2017 #62

Metro North reliability hasn't improved though despite the new equipment VMA131Marine Dec 2017 #74

As youre going out the door, Eyeball_Kid Dec 2017 #6

I don't want to upset the LOML, I plan to exit ASAP, can't wait til dessert is finished. Wiseman32218 Dec 2017 #9

Good one.. whathehell Dec 2017 #30

Suddenly come down with a communicable disease NastyRiffraff Dec 2017 #8

I can't, I would love to tho, LOML would be pissed she says it is just for the day Wiseman32218 Dec 2017 #12

Love it! whathehell Dec 2017 #31

Make sarcastic comments about trump and ridicule them JI7 Dec 2017 #10

I really want John Oliver to do one of his main stories on Chicago. Initech Dec 2017 #13

YES!!!!!!!! Wiseman32218 Dec 2017 #14

I live in Chicago. former9thward Dec 2017 #103

I'm not saying the violence can be debunked. Initech Dec 2017 #107

Ask him for his position on pedophilia Achilleaze Dec 2017 #15

This +1000000000 Initech Dec 2017 #25

Sounds like the kind of crud white wing gun-strokers spew. Pop a bag or balloon and Hoyt Dec 2017 #16

He's telling what HE thinks, not whay YOU think. Basic LA Dec 2017 #17

I do, he just loves to hear himself rant Wiseman32218 Dec 2017 #20

Go on offense instead of defending. :)) pangaia Dec 2017 #18

My main plan is to spend as little time as I can in the same room as him. Wiseman32218 Dec 2017 #26

I'm sure it will ignite the situation, but mention Doug Jones in Alabama Motley13 Dec 2017 #19

GF? Grandfather? Good friend? SharonClark Dec 2017 #22

Girl Friend Wiseman32218 Dec 2017 #28

Thank you. SharonClark Dec 2017 #43

This is where your girlfriend needs to speak up realmirage Dec 2017 #23

Excellent advice. SharonClark Dec 2017 #41

No one was pointing out how wrong it is realmirage Dec 2017 #63

I agree completely nini Dec 2017 #99

Message auto-removed Name removed Dec 2017 #24

I hate talking politics on holidays, I do not to add religion in, but thanks Wiseman32218 Dec 2017 #51

my sis is like this but we just pat her on the head like shes senile and smile... samnsara Dec 2017 #27

That's it- pat him on the head, pinch his cheek, and say, "You're so cute when you talk politics." NBachers Dec 2017 #56

Tell him you'lll just have to agree to disagree Raine Dec 2017 #32

I do, he is a total blowhard with politics. Wiseman32218 Dec 2017 #34

Nice old man or not their views are based on propaganda based out of willful ignorance gordianot Dec 2017 #33

I use Vodka. maranadem Dec 2017 #35

LOL, I plan on it - Might have a few before we arrive!! Wiseman32218 Dec 2017 #39

I will be spending Christmas Day with friends... chillfactor Dec 2017 #36

I would probably be snarky and "agree" with him elfin Dec 2017 #37

PERFECT IDEA!!!!!!!!!!! Wiseman32218 Dec 2017 #40

I agree LeftInTX Dec 2017 #110

Great suggestion!!! diva77 Dec 2017 #48

Attack his claims with whole red states. Blue_true Dec 2017 #38

Awesome Idea Wiseman32218 Dec 2017 #45

" ... a Democrat governor ..." Mariana Dec 2017 #69

Come down with a sudden case of the flu. democratisphere Dec 2017 #42

At Thanksgiving we had an opening prayer where it was requested that we not discuss religion or OldHippieChick Dec 2017 #44

Very telling that it is difficult to find a go-to source for Democratic talking points diva77 Dec 2017 #46

about Chicago CatWoman Dec 2017 #47

THANK YOU CATWOMAN!!!!!!!!!! Wiseman32218 Dec 2017 #49

you're very welcome CatWoman Dec 2017 #52

Chicago is just a few minutes from those States pandr32 Dec 2017 #102

Ply yourself with alcohol? Laffy Kat Dec 2017 #50

Can one ply oneself? teach1st Dec 2017 #59

Let me know how it turns out, K? Laffy Kat Dec 2017 #64

Ask Him to Explain the States on This List Leith Dec 2017 #53

This is Great!!!!! Wiseman32218 Dec 2017 #58

I would tell him NO politics or I leave. If he continues, I would Ferrets are Cool Dec 2017 #55

The sane people have started arriving for Christmas Eve Wiseman32218 Dec 2017 #60

tell him mac56 Dec 2017 #61

Hand him this: sinkingfeeling Dec 2017 #65

No matter what he says, reply, "How about them Mets, eh? I think they're a shoo in for the Series!" marble falls Dec 2017 #66

uh huh Skittles Dec 2017 #67

*snarf* CatWoman Dec 2017 #71

Merry Christmas my sweet! Skittles Dec 2017 #78

same to you Hon CatWoman Dec 2017 #86

I'm in the same boat as you Niagara Dec 2017 #68

Firstly, I'm SO happy .... LenaBaby61 Dec 2017 #70

Minnesota best run state in nation. Democratic Governor riverwalker Dec 2017 #72

Alcohol. Lots of it. crazycatlady Dec 2017 #73

yeah, when he starts to talk politics, walk away. Don't engage. If he pushes it, tell him in no still_one Dec 2017 #75

My in-laws are all republicans Cosmocat Dec 2017 #76

Feel free to use Detroit as a prime example of a city run by Democrats GreenEyedLefty Dec 2017 #77

Don't go. Onyrleft Dec 2017 #79

If your girlfriend agrees with your politics she should tell her brother blueinredohio Dec 2017 #80

Ask him tiptonic Dec 2017 #81

I'm spending the Holidays with my new progressive friends elmac Dec 2017 #82

Here's an idea... jmbar2 Dec 2017 #83

This is an interesting suggestion. I like it. n/t ms liberty Dec 2017 #93

don't engage mehrrh Dec 2017 #84

I feel for you, but it perplexes me a bit rpannier Dec 2017 #85

Sounds like he needs to stop trying to ruin Jesus's birthday party eleny Dec 2017 #87

White on white crime is higher Tavarious Jackson Dec 2017 #88

Why aren't you providing a link? former9thward Dec 2017 #104

Here is your link but if you use google there are many examples. Tavarious Jackson Dec 2017 #109

The chart you show is the number of crimes not the rate. former9thward Dec 2017 #112

Ask him if he remembers when republicans opposed Russia SeaDoo77 Dec 2017 #89

Here are some more excellent suggestions .... jmbar2 Dec 2017 #90

Why be subtle? jimmycck9 Dec 2017 #91

Here's a simple-minded solution for a simple-minded GOPer... BaronChocula Dec 2017 #92

I cover Clarity2 Dec 2017 #94

Say We Are Alike In So Many Ways We Just SeaDoo77 Dec 2017 #95

Why would you even go? trixie2 Dec 2017 #96

One of the first things I GeorgeHayduke Dec 2017 #97

Tell him to stfu nini Dec 2017 #98

Why should BLM highlight black on black crime? JHB Dec 2017 #100

You could talk about New York City: dawg day Dec 2017 #101

Chicago has millions of people lunasun Dec 2017 #105

Talk about Seattle, San Francisco, Houston, Austin,Portland apcalc Dec 2017 #106

Isnt it bad to have US right wing controlled by a foreigner sharedvalues Dec 2017 #108

Dont try to make logical arguments.... Orange Free State Dec 2017 #111