blogaddict

You have my sympathy. I’m in the same boat. My wife and I do not discuss the election. Nor do I discuss it with my mother and discussing it with my son has only led to unhappiness on all sides. I have a friend who claims to be the only Republican in Boulder County, and I believe him. [Charlie (CO) is not in Boulder County.]

The outbursts of intense rage you describe should be enough to convince you of the religious nature of the situation. People who feel certain of their convictions feel no need to rage about them.

Personally, I wouldn’t begin with “I’ve been a Democrat all my life, and I support Bush’s foreign policy,” but with something like “I agree with you about Bush. You’re absolutely right. But what is Kerry’s position on Iraq?”. Slow steps. No confrontation. Get the emotional shields lowered first. Give people a climbdown.