A backstory on myself. I live in a rural area, as does half my family and a majority of my friends. So needless to say, it’s mostly Republicans who longed for the Democrats to get mauled last Tuesday. On occasion I’ve entered conversations with them on politics. They believe all of the following:
- Joe Biden alone is to blame for high inflation and crime.
- Donald Trump is a real American hero.
- Every Democratic scandal is the total truth while every Republican scandal is a liberal conspiracy.
- You and I have been brainwashed by a biased media.
They do have better characteristics. They are hospitable, disciplined and hard-working, although a bit boastful about the last trait. It’s just that when you talk politics, you have to be prepared for the above nonsense.
So as polling painted a grim picture and even grimmer in light of how the ‘16 and ‘20 polls turned out, I steeled myself for the trash talk that I knew was coming. I was ready to have it rubbed in my face, for them to declare the end of President Biden, a bit of personal ribbing, etc. My last preelection prediction on Facebook even got likes from a MAGA cousin and a MAGA friend. I knew what was coming.
Of course, none of that happened. I’m not going to get shit sandwiches from them because of a mixed verdict despite average midterm loss of something like 23 House seats, 3 Senate seats and 4 governorships. Instead, the one we just went through looks to have a small gain at every level for Dems but the House.
In fact, I’ve looked at their Facebook accounts. For some strange reason, they don’t seem to want to talk about it. Not that they’re exactly political junkies in the first place, but not even quick posts on the subject?
So this has been a really good week for me. Not only did Biden have the second-best midterm of any president since Kennedy, it saved me from having to endure a lot of trash talk.