Malcolm Rivera
When dad talks politics, the room often transforms into a lively debate arena, where his unwavering opinions and anecdotes from decades past take center stage. Whether at the dinner table or during family gatherings, his voice carries the weight of conviction, blending personal experiences with a deep-rooted belief in his political ideals. While some family members nod in agreement, others roll their eyes or prepare counterarguments, knowing that steering the conversation elsewhere is nearly impossible. It’s a mix of frustration, amusement, and occasional enlightenment, as his passion for the subject is undeniable, even if his views aren’t always shared.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Occurs during family gatherings, holidays, or casual conversations |
| Tone | Often loud, assertive, and one-sided |
| Topics | Current events, government policies, historical comparisons, and conspiracy theories |
| Duration | Can last from 10 minutes to several hours, depending on the audience's tolerance |
| Audience | Usually family members, especially children or grandchildren, who may or may not be interested |
| Evidence | Relies on personal anecdotes, Facebook articles, or "a friend who knows someone" |
| Reactions | Eye-rolling, nodding along to avoid conflict, or polite disengagement |
| Outcome | Rarely changes anyone's mind; often results in awkward silence or topic change |
| Emotional Impact | Can range from mild annoyance to full-blown family arguments |
| Memorable Quotes | "Back in my day..." or "You kids don’t understand how the world works." |
| Recurrence | Guaranteed to happen at least once every family gathering |
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What You'll Learn
- Dad’s Views on Elections: His opinions on candidates, voting, and election outcomes
- Taxes and Economy: How he feels about government spending and personal finances
- Foreign Policy Takes: His stance on international relations and global conflicts
- Social Issues Debates: Abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and other divisive topics he discusses
- Media Bias Complaints: His distrust of news outlets and fake news accusations
Dad’s Views on Elections: His opinions on candidates, voting, and election outcomes
When Dad talks about elections, his views are often a mix of nostalgia, pragmatism, and a deep-seated belief in the importance of civic duty. He’ll start by reminiscing about past elections, comparing today’s candidates to those from decades ago, often concluding that “they just don’t make politicians like they used to.” For Dad, the ideal candidate is someone who speaks plainly, has a track record of getting things done, and isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves. He’s skeptical of flashy campaign promises and prefers candidates who focus on tangible issues like the economy, national security, and local infrastructure. Dad’s mantra is, “Show me what you’ve done, not what you say you’ll do.”
On the topic of voting, Dad is unwavering in his belief that it’s not just a right but a responsibility. He’ll lecture anyone within earshot about the sacrifices made by previous generations to secure the vote, often saying, “Too many people fought for this privilege for you to stay home on Election Day.” He’s a firm believer in informed voting, insisting that you should research candidates thoroughly, not just their party affiliation. Dad despises straight-ticket voting, arguing that it’s lazy and ignores the nuances of individual candidates. He’ll spend hours poring over ballots, even for local races, because he believes every position matters, from the president down to the school board.
When it comes to election outcomes, Dad is both a realist and an optimist. He’ll admit that not every election goes the way he’d like, but he’s quick to remind everyone that “the beauty of democracy is that we get another shot in a few years.” He’s critical of sore losers and those who question the legitimacy of results without evidence, often muttering, “If you don’t like the outcome, work harder next time.” At the same time, he’s hopeful that the system, though flawed, is resilient. He’ll say, “Elections are like a pendulum—they swing back and forth, but over time, things tend to balance out.”
Dad’s views on candidates are shaped by his distrust of political correctness and his appreciation for straight talk. He’ll complain about candidates who “beat around the bush” instead of addressing issues head-on. He admires politicians who can admit mistakes and change their minds based on new information, seeing it as a sign of strength, not weakness. However, he has zero tolerance for corruption or hypocrisy, often declaring, “If you’re in it for yourself, you shouldn’t be in office.” For Dad, integrity is non-negotiable, and he’ll cross party lines to support a candidate he believes is honest and principled.
Finally, Dad’s take on the election process itself is both critical and constructive. He’s frustrated by the influence of money in politics, arguing that it drowns out the voices of ordinary citizens. He’ll say, “The system’s broken when billionaires can buy airtime, but your local candidate can’t get a word in.” Yet, he’s also a proponent of grassroots efforts, encouraging people to get involved in campaigns, attend town halls, and write to their representatives. Dad believes that change starts at the local level and that every vote, every conversation, and every action counts. His advice is always the same: “Don’t just complain—do something about it.” For Dad, elections aren’t just about picking a winner; they’re about participating in a system he believes is worth fighting for.
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Taxes and Economy: How he feels about government spending and personal finances
When Dad talks about taxes and the economy, he’s all about accountability and efficiency. He believes the government should spend taxpayer money like a responsible family manages its budget—no unnecessary frills, just essentials. He often says, “If I have to tighten my belt, the government should too.” To him, excessive government spending is like throwing money into a bottomless pit, especially when it comes to programs he sees as wasteful or mismanaged. He’s a firm believer in cutting unnecessary expenses, like funding for pet projects or bloated bureaucracies, and redirecting those funds to critical areas like infrastructure, education, and national defense. He’ll point to examples of government waste he’s read about and shake his head, muttering, “That’s my hard-earned money being squandered.”
On the topic of personal finances, Dad is a staunch advocate for financial independence and self-reliance. He thinks individuals should take responsibility for their own economic well-being rather than relying on government handouts. “Teach a man to fish,” he’ll say, quoting the old adage. He’s skeptical of welfare programs that he believes disincentivize work, arguing that they create dependency rather than solving problems. He’ll often bring up stories of people he knows who’ve built successful lives through hard work and smart financial decisions, holding them up as examples to follow. He’s big on saving, investing, and avoiding debt, especially credit card debt, which he calls “a trap for the unwary.” To him, financial freedom is the ultimate goal, and he’ll lecture anyone who’ll listen about the importance of living within your means.
When it comes to taxes, Dad is a firm believer in fairness but defines it differently than some. He thinks everyone should pay their fair share, but he’s critical of progressive tax systems that he sees as penalizing success. “Why should someone who works harder and earns more be punished by giving away half their income?” he’ll ask. He prefers a flat tax or a simpler tax code that treats everyone equally, regardless of income level. He’s also a vocal opponent of what he calls “hidden taxes,” like inflation or excessive regulations that drive up the cost of living. He’ll argue that these invisible burdens hurt the average person more than they help, and that the government should focus on creating an environment where businesses can thrive and create jobs, which in turn grows the economy.
Dad also has strong opinions about national debt and deficits. He sees them as a moral issue, not just an economic one. “We’re mortgaging our kids’ future,” he’ll say, shaking his head at the trillions in debt the country has accumulated. He believes that politicians who spend recklessly are being irresponsible stewards of the nation’s finances. He’ll compare it to a family maxing out their credit cards without a plan to pay them off: “Eventually, the bill comes due, and someone has to pay.” He’s a fan of balanced budget amendments and fiscal conservatism, arguing that the government should live within its means just like families and businesses do. He’ll often quote Ronald Reagan: “Government’s view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.”
Finally, Dad ties his views on taxes and the economy back to personal responsibility and freedom. He believes that when the government spends less and taxes less, it leaves more money in the hands of individuals and businesses, who can then invest, innovate, and grow the economy organically. He’s skeptical of big government solutions, arguing that they often create more problems than they solve. “The free market works,” he’ll say, “if we just let it.” He’ll point to historical examples of economic booms that followed tax cuts or deregulation as proof that his approach works. To him, the key to a strong economy is simple: get the government out of the way and let people keep more of what they earn. When Dad talks about taxes and the economy, it’s clear he sees it as a matter of principle—a question of whether we trust individuals or the government to make the best decisions with our money.
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Foreign Policy Takes: His stance on international relations and global conflicts
When Dad talks politics, his foreign policy takes often reflect a blend of pragmatism, historical perspective, and a deep-seated belief in national sovereignty. He’s the kind of guy who starts every international relations discussion with, “You have to understand the history to see why things are the way they are today.” For him, global conflicts aren’t just headlines—they’re complex puzzles shaped by centuries of alliances, betrayals, and power struggles. His stance is clear: the U.S. should prioritize its own interests while maintaining a strong, but cautious, role on the world stage. He’s skeptical of interventionism, arguing that not every foreign conflict requires American boots on the ground. “We can’t be the world’s policeman,” he’ll say, “but we also can’t ignore threats to our allies or global stability.”
On international relations, Dad is a firm believer in diplomacy, but with a healthy dose of realism. He often cites the Cold War as an example of how deterrence and negotiation can coexist. “Reagan and Gorbachev didn’t trust each other, but they still sat down and talked,” he’ll explain. His take on current global conflicts, like those in the Middle East or Ukraine, is that the U.S. should support allies without overextending itself. He’s critical of what he sees as “empty posturing” in foreign policy, preferring actions that yield tangible results. For instance, he supports economic sanctions as a tool to pressure adversarial nations but warns against relying on them exclusively. “Sanctions only work if everyone’s on board,” he’ll note, “and even then, they’re not a magic bullet.”
When it comes to global alliances, Dad is a staunch supporter of NATO but believes it needs to evolve. “Europe needs to step up and carry more of the load,” he’ll argue, echoing a common critique of allies not meeting defense spending commitments. He’s also wary of rising powers like China, viewing their economic and military expansion as a long-term challenge to U.S. dominance. “We can’t ignore the fact that they’re playing the long game,” he’ll say, advocating for a mix of competition and cooperation. On trade, he’s a protectionist at heart, believing that unfair practices from other nations have hurt American workers. “Free trade’s great in theory, but not when it’s one-sided,” he’ll declare, pointing to manufacturing job losses as evidence.
Dad’s take on humanitarian crises is nuanced. While he believes the U.S. has a moral obligation to help, he insists it must be done strategically. “We can’t solve every problem, but we can’t turn a blind eye either,” he’ll say, often suggesting targeted aid and diplomatic pressure over military intervention. He’s particularly critical of what he calls “nation-building,” arguing that it’s neither effective nor sustainable. “Look at Afghanistan,” he’ll sigh, “decades of effort, and what do we have to show for it?” His stance is that foreign policy should focus on stability and security, leaving long-term development to international organizations and local governments.
Finally, Dad’s views on global conflicts are shaped by his belief in American exceptionalism, but with a dose of humility. “We’re not perfect, but we’re still the best hope for freedom and democracy,” he’ll say, though he’s quick to add that the U.S. should lead by example, not just by force. He’s skeptical of idealistic approaches to foreign policy, preferring a clear-eyed assessment of national interests. “You can’t make policy based on wishful thinking,” he’ll warn, “the world doesn’t work that way.” Whether you agree with him or not, one thing’s for sure: when Dad talks foreign policy, he’s got a take on everything, and he’s not afraid to share it.
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Social Issues Debates: Abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and other divisive topics he discusses
When Dad talks politics, the conversation often veers into deeply divisive social issues, and his views on abortion are typically the first to surface. He firmly believes in the sanctity of life, arguing that abortion is morally wrong and should be restricted, if not outlawed entirely. He often cites religious texts or philosophical arguments to support his stance, emphasizing the potential of an unborn child. However, he rarely acknowledges the complexities of unwanted pregnancies, medical emergencies, or the socioeconomic factors that often drive women to seek abortions. His black-and-white perspective leaves little room for nuance, making it difficult to engage in a balanced discussion.
Another hot-button issue Dad frequently discusses is LGBTQ+ rights, and his opinions here are equally polarizing. He tends to frame LGBTQ+ identities as a modern phenomenon, often attributing them to cultural shifts or personal choices rather than inherent traits. He opposes same-sex marriage, adoption by LGBTQ+ couples, and gender-affirming policies, claiming they undermine traditional family values. His arguments often rely on outdated stereotypes or misinterpretations of scientific studies, and he dismisses the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals. While he insists he’s not prejudiced, his refusal to recognize the humanity and dignity of LGBTQ+ people speaks volumes, leaving those who disagree feeling unheard and invalidated.
Beyond abortion and LGBTQ+ rights, Dad’s political discussions often touch on other contentious social issues, such as immigration, racial justice, and gun control. On immigration, he advocates for stricter borders and deportation policies, framing undocumented immigrants as a threat to national security and economic stability. He rarely considers the systemic factors driving migration or the contributions immigrants make to society. When it comes to racial justice, he downplays systemic racism, often arguing that individual effort and merit should be the sole determinants of success. His views on gun control are equally rigid; he staunchly defends the Second Amendment, dismissing calls for stricter regulations as an attack on personal freedom, even in the face of mass shootings and gun violence statistics.
What makes these conversations particularly challenging is Dad’s tendency to approach these issues from a place of certainty rather than curiosity. He rarely entertains counterarguments or seeks to understand opposing viewpoints, instead doubling down on his beliefs. This dynamic can turn family gatherings into tense debates, leaving those with differing opinions feeling frustrated or dismissed. Yet, there’s also a sense of sadness in realizing that someone you love is so entrenched in their views that they’re unwilling to consider the human impact of their beliefs. It raises questions about how to bridge these divides without sacrificing one’s own values or respect for others.
Despite the frustration, there are moments when Dad’s discussions on social issues reveal glimpses of his underlying fears and insecurities. His resistance to change often stems from a desire to preserve a world he understands, even if that world excludes or marginalizes others. Engaging with him requires patience, empathy, and a willingness to challenge his assumptions without attacking his character. It’s a delicate balance, but it’s also an opportunity to model the kind of open-mindedness and compassion that’s so often missing from these debates. Whether or not he changes his mind, the goal becomes less about winning an argument and more about fostering understanding—even if it’s just a little at a time.
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Media Bias Complaints: His distrust of news outlets and fake news accusations
When Dad talks politics, one of his most frequent and passionate topics is his distrust of mainstream news outlets and his accusations of media bias. He often begins by claiming that the news is no longer about reporting facts but about pushing agendas. "You can’t trust anything they say," he’ll declare, pointing to what he sees as selective coverage or outright distortions of events. He’ll cite examples like a story that downplays a politician he supports or exaggerates the mistakes of one he opposes, arguing that the media is deliberately manipulating public opinion. His go-to phrase is, "They only show you what they want you to see," as if every headline and newscast is part of a coordinated effort to mislead the public.
His complaints about media bias are often tied to his belief in the existence of "fake news." He’ll scroll through his phone, pulling up articles or social media posts that he claims prove his point. "This is fake news," he’ll say, tapping on a screen, "they made this up to make [insert politician] look bad." He’s particularly skeptical of outlets that lean politically opposite to his views, dismissing them as "propaganda machines." At the same time, he’ll share articles from sources that align with his beliefs, often without questioning their credibility, as if their agreement with his perspective automatically makes them trustworthy. This double standard doesn’t go unnoticed, but pointing it out usually leads to a heated debate about who’s really biased.
Dad’s distrust of the media extends beyond individual stories to the entire system. He’ll talk about how news corporations are owned by a few wealthy individuals or companies with their own interests, claiming, "They control the narrative to protect their profits and power." He’ll bring up examples of journalists being fired or stories being suppressed, using them as evidence of a broader conspiracy to silence the truth. While some of his concerns about media consolidation and corporate influence are valid, his tendency to frame every disagreement as part of a grand plot can make it hard to have a nuanced conversation. He’ll often conclude, "You have to do your own research," as if the solution is to bypass traditional media entirely.
What’s most striking is how his media bias complaints shape his worldview. He’ll dismiss any information that contradicts his beliefs as "biased" or "fake," creating an echo chamber where only certain perspectives are accepted. This can make discussions frustrating, as he’ll reject credible sources out of hand while embracing unverified claims that support his views. For instance, he might share a viral video or meme as evidence of media bias, even if it’s been debunked, because it aligns with his preconceptions. His distrust of the media has become so ingrained that it’s not just about the news anymore—it’s about who he believes is telling the truth in a world he sees as increasingly dishonest.
Despite his skepticism, Dad isn’t entirely anti-media; he just wants it to align with his definition of fairness. He’ll praise outlets or commentators who share his political leanings, calling them "the only ones telling the truth." This selective trust reveals a deeper issue: his complaints about media bias are often less about objectivity and more about whether the coverage supports his existing beliefs. When Dad talks about media bias, it’s not just a critique of journalism—it’s a window into how he navigates a complex and often contradictory information landscape, armed with a deep-seated conviction that the truth is being hidden from him.
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Frequently asked questions
Focus on active listening, avoid interrupting, and use "I" statements to express your perspective without attacking his views.
Politics often ties into personal values and beliefs, making it an emotionally charged topic for many people, including dads.
Set boundaries politely, steer the conversation toward neutral topics, or excuse yourself if tensions rise.
Gently provide credible sources or facts without being confrontational, and avoid correcting him in a way that feels dismissive.
Approach the conversation with curiosity, ask open-ended questions, and try to understand the experiences or values shaping his opinions.
