I think it’s unfortunate that having different political beliefs means “despising” someone, but whatever.
My advice: watch sportscenter or read ESPN headlines. I do it for work every weekend (not because of politics, but because I’m socially awkward). That, plus some weather and a little local news, and you can survive any elevator ride, cafeteria line, or small-talk at the water cooler. Stay away from controversial stuff (“So, you’re from Baltimore? Ray Lewis was a murderer”) but you can certainly do stuff of general interest (“The Iron Bowl was unreal”).
So, the only reason you despise this guy is because of his politics?
For some people, that can be quite enough.
So why despise him? Can you not respect his right to have views which differ from your own?
If I were really courageous (and cared less about my wife’s career and our overall financial stability), I’d be tempted to take on a Stephen Colbert-like persona and try and parody their views and see how far they’d go in agreeing with me. But I’m not that brave, that good a performer, or that unconcerned about keeping food on the table.
Okay, so “despise” is hyperbolic shorthand for the sake of a catchy thread headline. The point is that although I can and do respect some people who have views different from my own, these two are prominent for holding those views. I assume they have some fine qualities as human beings, but most people meeting them would have a hard time separating them from their political positions, and I have little respect for them or their opinions. So I’d like to be prepared to discuss things that wouldn’t require me to abruptly excuse myself to get another drink, as some have suggested.
The grandkids idea is the best yet.
I’ve had all kinds of civil discourse with folks I’ve disagreed with, but I’ve never been at my best in the presence of someone I know to have a recently violent past who is acting like they’ve always been a swell guy. Just creeps me out.
In contrast, I’ve always been fascinated by my political opposites. If someone is crass enough to bring up religion or politics in a socially neutral setting, I genuinely like hearing their take on why same sex marriage is a problem or why capital punishment makes sense. If pressed I might admit to disagreeing with their point of view, but thank them for giving me something to think about.
This is a great all-purpose line when you don’t want to say anything you’d regret later. Thanks!