Traveler ≠ Aspiring Politician
Let’s get this out of the way now, before anyone asks: While you’re abroad, Your. Politics. Do. Not. Matter.
Seriously.
Get over it.
Okay, now that that’s out of the way, let me explicate: Everyone you meet traveling is abroad for some reason. Whether it be to see the world, learn a language, or escape the situation at home, or whatever, they all have a reason for going abroad. And nothing can disrupt that reason, make someone irritated, faster than bringing up their home politics. Get to know them, talk to them, go get dinner with them, and then decide if you like them. But do not, please, ask them what their opinions are on abortion, or gay marriage, or any other subject, because that just leads to awkward situations.
Really, though, I mention this because I want everyone to be very aware of something: as an American traveling abroad, you are guaranteed, guaranteed to catch flak for the path our country has taken. Almost no one you’re going to meet abroad is terribly fond of George W. Bush, and they won’t hesitate to give you crap for having elected him. Something you should make clear very early on is that A) you didn’t vote for him (and if you did, I doubt you’ll be traveling. Sorry, but I can count on one hand the number of conservative Americans I met while backpacking in South America) and B) you don’t like him either.
And even if you did vote for Bush, and even if you do like him, don’t bring it up. This is part of that unwritten Traveler’s Code I mentioned, and should be followed astutely. Arguing with someone about anything can ruin a night, but nothing faster than politics. And even if someone else brings it up first, just say that you don’t want to talk politics – if they push the matter, than you probably don’t want to be hanging out with them anyways.