Of the many wonderful things about living in a political city: fraternizing with the enemy.
It's inevitable, really. In Washington, you're on one of two teams- Democrat or Republican. Enemy is probably too strong a word. But during election season, it feels appropriate. Part of my job means watching MSNBC 24/7 (an exaggeration, but only slightly), and I've lost track of how many zings and barbs and gotchyas go back and forth every day.
So my question now is this. What happens when you find yourself face to face with a perfectly nice, attractive, interesting human being. You have good conversation and good food. And then, the last words you expect to hear: I'm a Republican.
Naturally, you might understand my dilemma. Short term might be fun, but in the long run I wonder if a difference in party is indicative of a more serious difference in world outlook.
Only time will tell. I'm not jumping to any conclusions yet. Your thoughts?
7 comments:
Well written post! I think the fundamental question is whether you think you can or should only date people with similar views to you.
I think it's boring to date someone who thinks the same way, but I think it's usually important to date someone with similar values. Politics doesn't always have to be indicative of certain values - so at the very least, I think it sounds like he merits a second date so you can figure out if he's a good guy at heart!
How extraordinarily arrogant of you! Rest assured, with an attitude like yours, you're judged just as harshly as you so apparently judge others. I pity people like you. You can't get over your self-concern long enough to appreciate some of the amazing people that populate this world.
To answer your question:
"What happens when you find yourself face to face with a perfectly nice, attractive, interesting human being. You have good conversation and good food. And then, the last words you expect to hear: I'm a Republican."
(You forgot to put a question mark, but I won't nitpick your sub par and self-indulgent writing) ...To answer your question, you don't be a bitch about it! You act like someone having different political priorities is less of a person! God forbid you open yourself up to someone who might make you challenge, reaffirm, or even defend your personal ideals. The possibility that you might have friends is amazing! You say he's nice, attractive, and an interesting human being.... how absolutely sad and shallow of you that his political identity would hinder your interest in him beyond what you've already listed as positive points. I hope he never wastes his time or money on you again.
Geez oh man. I read that second comment and thought I must have missed something in your post. Something to make a reader freak out...but no. Your post was very well-reasoned.
And that's coming from someone who's usually the Republican in question (although, I prefer "moderate").
I was out with a guy I'd been dating for a month or so when the political conversation rolled around. His jaw hit the floor when I told him what I was registered.
Give it a chance, and yeah, you can base it on similar values instead of identical political views. And a little debating back and forth? It's just more fun that way. :-)
dear anonymous,
Subpar is one word.
How embarrassing!
Hope you don't think I'm nitpicking.
Much love,
Obama
I wouldn't call it a "freak out." I think that person was right on the mark in their analysis of the situation.....
You shouldn't judge people based on their political alignment because you limit yourself. Maybe it's the wording, I don't know, but the 'Pumpernickel' sounded condescending with the little add on "...and then, the last words you expect to hear: i'm a republican." Who cares? Values aside, in this country we have the freedom to disagree and that's something to be embraced... not another level on which to judge or label others. According to the self-proclaimed, being a liberal is about valuing others, their differences, and their needs correct? Or is it just valuing people who think like you do?
I dunno...sounded a bit like a freak out to me.
I think it's a bit different in Washington, where saying you're a Republican or a Democrat can carry with it the strong possibility that you care enough about the party's positions to be working for the party or one of its representatives. Merely being registered one way or the other isn't the issue in DC, in my experience - it's when you meet, for example, the press secretary for a Senator whose positions you find thoroughly abhorrent. Perhaps that person is worth a second shot, but perhaps they applied to that job because they agreed with those positions.
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