We don’t need political ‘expert’ ride-share drivers
In South Florida, we’ve become such political animals that even croquetas and empanadas are partisan presidential election fodder.
I plead guilty.
But it’s my job to weigh in on politics, especially when the controversial Republican runaway frontrunner, Donald Trump, is a Florida man. And what writer can resist a word about a Mariel refugee — who, under Trump’s immigration policy, wouldn’t have been allowed in this country — yet names his Miami croquetas after him?
Only in Miami-Dade. As is the new species of political “expert” rising in the heat of the 2024 election: The ride-share Uber and Lyft driver as selfanointed pundit, peddling to his captive audience his point of view on the likely Trump-Biden match-up — while he navigates our traffic-choked roads. Yikes!
I’m all-in for politically engaged citizens who opine, protest, and vote. But, after my ride-sharing experience this weekend, I draw the line on political assaults and Florida GOPstyled evangelism when it comes to Uber and Lyft rides.
It’s not their job to drive and indoctrinate.
RIDE & SUFFER
When my driver picked me up Saturday, I was a happy party-goer trying to avoid parking stress, the reason for the pricey $20 ride on a 4-mile trip. By the time I arrived, I was feeling the warning signs of mounting distress.
Our conversation started innocently enough.
“You have a pretty house,” he said, adding that he also lived in the area.
“Has yours hit a million yet?”
“No, but the ones on the lake have,” I said. “It’s incredible that I paid for this house 24 years ago what it now costs to buy a one-bedroom apartment in a dicey part of town.”
From there, the driver jumped to inflation and President Biden-blasting mode. (Note: I didn’t credit President Clinton with my affordable housebuying.)
He was a Cuban bordercrosser during the Trump years but now — ignoring heightened repression in Cuba since the historic July 11, 2021 protests — he sees himself as a better person than compatriots making the trek. He paid his dues, he said, when Trump detained him while his asylum claim was processed.
He described the border under Biden as “a disgrace,” repeating a facile GOP talking point and dismissing the recent Republican vote in Congress to block a bipartisan bill to give Biden resources and authority to stem the flow.
He blamed Biden, not Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and other factors economic experts cite, for skyrocketing gas prices he claims led to the loss of his fledgling trucking business.
His bottom line: “Anyone, but not Biden.”
I couldn’t help myself: “So you fled communism, but you’re willing to elect a delinquent who tried to subvert American democracy?”
A bingo moment.
Do us both a favor, Uber and Lyft drivers; find another topic of conversation.
“Don’t talk politics and drive” should be the new slogan on Florida Department of Transportation electronic highway banners.
NO POLITICAL TIP
My driver is lucky I don’t punish hires for misguided political views.
I rated him five stars and gave him a 25% tip.
He was patient through traffic that unnerves me. He did well the job I hired him to do — and I take responsibility for my share of the exchange. Had I not been a journalist interested in what people have to say, and concerned about the proliferation of misinformation, I wouldn’t have engaged.
A simple “I don’t want to talk about politics” might have changed the vibe.
Since this is my line of business, here’s some workplace advice: Others may not be as tolerant of unsolicited political opinion or as generous with compensation.
As the election approaches and politics become even more divisive, tempers are more likely to flare quickly. Leave politics to the operatives.
We don’t need to add another level of rage to steamy streets.
For the sake of rideshare community peace, keep your Trump-Biden politics off the roads.