Putting the "Date" in "Debate"

Story Sent in by Sue:

I'm a Trump voter in a really liberal area, so finding dates who don't think I'm an idiot is a little hard to do. Enter Curtis: a smart, funny software developer who I met on OkCupid. I told him front and center that I was in Trump's camp and he said that it wasn't a problem. I wasn't a big fan of talking about politics, anyway. But I've found that it's usually something that comes up and can take people by surprise if they're not warned.

And so I was looking forward to a nice, non-partisan date (not debate). We met in a park. He wore a Hillary button. After initial greetings he said, "So let's get started: I'm gonna make you a Hillary fan in 20 minutes or less."

No! No, no, no! I'm on OkC to meet potential partners, not political operatives! I had told him loud and clear early on that I was not into discussing politics. I have friends from both sides of the aisle and we get along perfectly fine. Why was this guy planning to ram his politics down my throat (get your mind out of the gutter)? I shouldn't have to defend my political beliefs to anyone.

So I told him as gently as possible, "If it's okay, can we keep politics out of it? We can talk about anything but."

He replied, "Does it bother you that Trump's had seven bankruptcies, was under investigation for denying housing to minorities, and is a documented misogynist? Does it bother you?"

I said, "I'm not talking about this."

"Yeah, but does it bother you that he's those things? Just answer the question."

"It bothers me that we're talking about politics."

"You're a woman. Trump hates women. What are your thoughts on that?"

"I don't want to talk about this."

"Just answer the one question. Why do you support someone who hates women?"

I actually have a very good answer for that but again, I wasn't on this date to talk politics. I felt that giving in even a little would be exactly what Curtis wanted. And I wasn't going for it.

Instead I said, "If you keep pressing me then I'm going to walk away."

"Just answer the one question. Just that one question. Why do you vote for a guy who hates you? He hates you, so why vote for him? He hates you. He hates that you have periods. Why are you voting for someone who hates you?"

I said as politely as possible, "I'm sorry. I think there's been a misunderstanding. I should go."

He stayed behind (thankfully) as I left but he called after me, "You're dodging the question! You can't answer it! He hates you! Vote smart! Vote smart!"

I voted to leave Curtis far behind and I don't regret it.