Why do some people decide to engage in hardcore political opinions at the pub?

I love bellying up to a bar at the end of a hard day. I travel quite a bit so I frequent a number of new-to-me pubs. I can't tell you how many times I'm enjoying an end-of-day libation when a creature will turn to me and start spewing their political opinions. Now, for whatever reason, it is 95% of the time right wing commentary. I've almost never been engaged in a more left wing type commentary.

It happened last evening...I was visiting my folks in Ohio and dad took me to the pub for a final beer before my flight. This older man had been sitting a few seats away from my dad and quietly drinking beers and screwdrivers. (Odd combination but whatever.) After he was about 4 deep I guess his lips needed to start flapping. You always know when it is going to be political spewing versus a fun and friendly discussion about nothing. He basically just opened up and started telling my dad that the biggest problem in politics is are the politicians who give away free things like cell phones, food stamps, and other "entitlements" to the 55%.

I typically don't engage these types of assholes but I couldn't resist. Instead of talking to the annoying Limbaugh listener I decided to make my point through my dad. I said "Dad! This guy has a point. I don't care that you worked your ass off your entire life...I think you do NOT deserve social security entitlements and they should slash your medicare to nothing. It's your fault our country is in the position it is in and you should just go back to work you lazy piece of shit!"

Now let's set some things straight. My dad is very much a Dem and he also has a great sense of humor. He knew where I was going with this.

The guy just sat there rather stunned as I never led on that I was joking. I kept going about how mom still works and she's the real "patriot" int he family and that he better suck it up and go back to work or they will be just suckling the teat of the American Democratic party.

The man never said another word. LOL. We finished our beers, left, laughed, and I flew home.