The safest course was actually the simplest - do nothing at all and hope everything turned out for the best. It wasn't a great plan, but it had the benefits of simplicity and a long tradition.
Madness string 24890
Never try to disprove what they say with facts. The facts are given to them so they don't care. You must break the cycle differently. Just like the news and some of their friends team up with them to reinforce their views, so must you reinforce that it isn't about politics, it's the fact they've become terrible, hateful people that you feel embarrassed to be around. People you would never allow your kids to associate with.