On Not Being the Fool in a Conversation

Politics just isn’t a safe space

Yesterday I was having a perfectly fine conversation about Formula 1 racing with a fellow hockey parent when the subject of politics came up. We both criticized Justin Trudeau, a fairly safe opinion in Canada these days. And then like an idiot I asked, “So do you think Trump has a chance in 2024?”

He stared at me for a few seconds and said seriously, “Do you think he actually lost in 2020?”

I thought maybe he was kidding, but he looked way too serious. So I responded, “Yes. And by a lot more than what they reported.”

He was taken aback by my response and I kicked myself mentally for getting into a conversation about politics with a relative stranger, and an obvious fool on top of that. I was reminded of the saying “Never argue with a fool. They’ll drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.”

I steeled myself for an argument and then to my surprise, just said “Huh.” And he changed the subject.

For a moment I was relieved. And then I realized. HE was ALSO avoiding an unnecessary argument with someone he perceived as a fool.

In that moment I had enormous appreciation for his social grace despite being a Trumper, and as a result was reminded that just because someone disagrees with you, that doesn’t make them a bad person.

Stay open minded. And there’s no such thing as a safe conversation about politics. Stick to sports. Or religion 🙄