I'm having lunch with a Republican friend today.

[Revanchist]

2. But I thought all Republicans were racist, baby-eating, puppy-kicking homophobes

Seriously though there are decent people out there who consider themselves to be Republican. I also think it depends on where you are in the country and the age of person you're talking about, I currently live in Virginia but I'm from Rhode Island and there is a world of difference between the two. A RI Republican (or much of New England) for that matter, would be considered a RINO in other parts of the country, just like a Democratic politician in a red state is sometimes considered a DINO or blue-dog to those in liberal areas.

I have never liked broad-bush stereotypes of an entire segment of the population and choose to judge each person individually based on their actions.