I was at a party a while ago, and a person who I am acquaintances with came and started to talk with me.  I think he must have thought that we were better friends than we were, because he said to me, “So, you’re a democrat, right?  How do you date?!”  I am sure the look on my face was priceless.  First of all, I have no idea how he knew that about me.  We had mutual friends, had been in similar social circles, and were Facebook friends, but I am pretty selective with whom I talk to about politics in depth.  At that point, I hadn’t posted a lot of political opinions on Facebook because I don’t think it is the place for it (it is an election year, so I have broken my own cardinal law here and there, but hadn’t at the point this conversation was taking place).  I guess he had looked at my “About Me” section (stalker?) and saw the words “Blue Dog Dem” next to my political views?  No clue, but awkward.  Secondly, I was shocked that someone was so closed minded to think that anyone’s political opinions meant that they would not be getting dates.  It honestly has not been a problem for me.  Sure, it may keep me from dating someone seriously, because our opinions drive each other crazy (two way street there), but I still seem to be able to date without a problem.  It is a first date topic, however, because I use their reaction to my basic views as a way to see if they can hang with a CoCo sized attitude.  So, in the spirit of his strange, somewhat misogynistic question, I decided to write a blog post about why men should be THRILLED when they get the opportunity to date a democrat.  I will use the issues the DNC published as the top issues important to democrats as my foundation. You can visit that site here for more information.

Civil Rights
This is more than the fact that you may be able to convince the lady democrat of your dreams to date outside of her race or religion.  This also means that she feels strongly about feminism and all issues relating to it.  You won’t end up with a girl void of opinions and feedback.  You won’t end up with a girl who expects to be taken care of.  You may even have the opportunity to be a stay-at-home dad if you end up getting married and her career is able to make you a one-income household while yours is not.  She will also likely have gay friends, where that is another hot civil rights issue.  This is excellent news for you, because a gay male friend is able to give advice on the male brain like no other, because they look at it as a man deciphering another man’s romantic code on a daily basis.  It’s very helpful.  When you are having issues understanding one another, tell her to go have a date with one of her male gay friends, who will be able to explain to her exactly where the communication error is occurring and how to fix it in a way that you will understand.

Energy Independence
She will never want you to drive an inefficient vehicle.  Should you decide to “go green” in your choice of cars, you will only end up saving gas money, even if you don’t buy Global Climate Change as she does.  If you have to take public transportation at some point, she’s not going to freak out because it smells like urine and someone is sitting across from you who is clearly schizophrenic and creepy.  She’ll just be happy that you are being responsible (and cuddle closer for protection, in case the schizo decides to make a sudden movement).  Dates that require less travel or less energy are always a great idea, so you can just go for an evening stroll and call it a plan, and she’s not going to complain.  Think about how romantic candle light can be?  See!  There’s oh-so-many perks to this one.

Environment
You want an easy date idea?  Take a democrat on a date to the Saturday Farmers Market to go shopping for local and organic food.  Cheap, too!  This also means her hair will actually move in the wind, because she doesn’t spray it with aerosol hairspray until it is a brick.  She’ll love animals, so that means your dog or cat that you got because you were lonely will never be kicked to the curb (just maybe outside to a nice warm house if she has allergies).  She’ll also likely want to do yard work with you.

Healthcare
If democrats get their way, this means that she will have clean, not stinky breath because she has gone to the dentist.  She won’t be overly hormonal because she keeps her gynecological health in check with an annual exam.  She’ll live longer because she can obtain preventative care.  Your kids would be born as healthy as could be, and if something went wrong they could get the care they needed to become healthy.  Healthcare is a long-term issue, so it is harder to say how it will play in to your immediate dating situations, but the breath thing is a big deal.

Jobs and Economy
She’ll never want or expect you to be as rich as the 1%, so you can do what you love instead of what will get you the biggest portfolio and she’ll support it as long as it isn’t completely ridiculous. She knows the reality is two-income households and will expect to work. She’ll also recognize the need to take care of the less fortunate, without judgement, and be a charitable person. Who wouldn’t want to date a charitable person?

Open Government
She won’t stone wall you and be sneaky. Okay, okay, so this is a stretch, but one can’t believe that the government needs to be transparent in what they do without being transparent in their own life. That is hypocritical.

Science and Technology
You want to be an Apple Fanboy? Be an Apple Fanboy! You’re an Android Nut? Be an Android Nut! Technology is an important link in the chain to a cleaner, better world, so whatever helps move that forward, go for it! Create and do! I really don’t think this is an issue, other than perhaps green sciences, that either right or left minded people have a problem with, unless they are extreme outliers.

Voting Rights
If you really feel strongly about your own political opinions, no matter what they are, you should be glad that actually voting is important to her. Not only is it important to her to vote, it is important to her that you exercise your right to vote for whatever you want. Behind a curtain. In complete anonymity.

Some other highlights? More liberal people tend to name their kids more traditional names, while more political people tend to name their kids odd, made up names. (Here’s my source) Red States have a higher divorce rate than Blue States. (Here’s my source) And, should you ever run for a highly public office, your wife’s political affiliation could make it easier to get rights to your theme song. Clothing Designers will be happy to allow your wife to wear their clothing without a public disclaimer that it is “off the rack.” That is obviously important!  Oh, and one of my favorite kickers, in Schwarzenegger (R) vs Shriver (D), who was the one with the filthy, dirty secrets?

So, to answer your question, my friend, my political affiliation has no bearing on whether or not I get dates. Your social skills may have a bearing on whether or not you are getting dates. Plus, my political views aside, I’m a pretty fun person, so as long as a guy can allow me my right to my opinions, they’re in for quite the ride!