How do I deal with this awkward situation?

Book on tape.

Shhhh… Trying to read!

Avoooo just beat me to it, but I was going to suggest a history-related or work-related books on tape. Normally, This American Life can be a common denominator, but this person seems like they might not be open-minded enough to listen to that.

I’ve also found that television shows are my go-to for small talk or reminiscing about certain decades.

You work with him – what’s he good at? This might be a great time to pick his brain in his area of expertise and could wind up being a good learning lesson!

Just sleep the whole way.
Wait, you’re driving.
Just slip him a roofie.

Err… but seriously, I find the best way to maintain a conversation even with people you don’t care for is to ask questions. Lots of questions. Like @figbash said, pick his brain. Most people enjoy talking about themselves. Just don’t get too personal. Maybe you’ll hit upon a topic that can carry the conversation for a while. After that ice breaker, silences are usually less uncomfortable.

You may even learn he’s not so bad.

you could just have thumb wars the whole way with him. nothing brings us together more than friendly competition : )

I doubt it will be as bad as you’re expecting it to be. Even people who don’t have anything in common can get along. Just be courteous.

@holden It probably won’t be as bad as I’m thinking, you’re right. The whole damn thing is just horrible anyway, even if I was going with my best friend! I am going to do my part to make the best of it.

@figbash I am fairly nosy and I don’t really know a whole lot about him. I know he’s married and wants to be a preacher. That’s about it. So, that could be a good ice breaker.

Music: his CD, your CD. Discuss the music.

Most people have things in common. Maybe you can find out what that is.

You could discuss politics (NOT!)

@skadu I don’t know for a fact, but I’m assuming if we started discussing politics one of us would be likely to explode! :)

Listen to books or comedy on tape. Comedy might help you find something in common—on not. Sherlock Holmes would be great—not comedy, but mystery—even better!

Early on, have a heated argument – rife with profanity – with your imaginary friend in the back seat.

@knitfroggy On a serious note, you can start by getting to know him. Put your biases aside and ask questions about him, what his upbringing was like…find out why he thinks the way he does.

After he feels like you are genuinely interested in having a civil trip, you’ll get his respect and you can start challenging ideas you may disagree with, but you can do so subtly by restating statements he has made that you have concern with by starting your response with “So you think that…” and then pause until he answers. He’ll probably catch on and start to be more respectful. Just something to try.

I bet he’s working on his sermon right now… Bring plenty of change… LOL

Me… I wouldn’t care how mad he gets, I’m riding solo. Who knows, after the meeting, I may want to stop and visit a friend in town, or spend the night and drive back in the morning.

If he gets mad, tell him to pray about it…
He’ll be alright.

Well, I’m like a week late posting this but…we actually had a really decent time. On the way to the meeting he said something about talking politics and wanted to talk about healthcare, but said he didn’t want to get me mad at him on the way. I just laughed, because, I really didn’t want to talk about healthcare at all! We chatted the whole way to the meeting, stuck together through the meeting and chatted all the way home. It was really ok. Everyone’s suggestions were helpful. I did get to know him better and though he still annoys the shit out of me, I feel like we know each other better, so, it was a good thing in the end.

With work and meetings and all that stuff we are stuck with people we don’t like. Try a whole week. I flew to Singapore with an ass hole I couldn’t stand. Its called team work.