Can someone help me understand my wing nut friends?

[Populist_Prole]

65. Fascinating thread. I'm in a similar situation and like the comments.

I have 2 friends who are exactly just like the ones you describe: I mean other than their occupations, I'd swear they were my friends! What's the most frustrating thing for me is that they more or less became this way only the past half-dozen years....after they retired: They're 10 -12 years older than me and used to be coworkers of mine. They may not have been officially liberal, but they were always anti-republican and pro-democratic party mostly due to class/labor issues. My nearest guess is the "I got mine" syndrome took away any concern for the working class. Race is an issue I'm sure as well, based on their ugly comments. I've been friends with them for 20+ years and we enjoy each other's company if politics don't come up, but I can feel the strain on our relations all the same.

My father is another matter. He just won't let politics go and becomes very loud, angry and tries to bully his way to you taking his view while positively dismissing any others. He's relentless! We used to get along good but to be honest I simply can't stand being around him to the point I avoid visiting him.

I hope they all mellow out when Obama wins and just try to focus on what's good with heir lives. Fat chance, eh?