Oh yes tone is extremely difficult to put across in writing. I mean, punctuation can help to a degree. But where is the symbol that means "to be read in a snarky British accent"? I think it might be this one, actually: ¥•¥
The thing is, these charicatures DO exist. If ever you look at replies to Trump's Twitter feed, it is extremely polarised - and each side is just as extreme and narrow minded as the other. It's exactly as your dad describes it, for the most part.
I tend to sway towards agreeing with those who disagree with Trump. But I don't often agree with the way they argue their points.
I think Trump is a self-important, narcissistic, asshole with a decent helping of misogyny. So what? We have had presidents like that for as long as we have had presidents.
Since I no longer judge events based upon organized religion's proscriptions regarding human behavior, I tend not to become as outraged by his human failings as his enemies would like. I judge outcomes. I think it is possible to promote and when necessary, adjudicate decent civic participation.
The pertinent question, on my mind is, will he do what he has promised regarding the economy, immigration, healthcare, crime and defense. So far I give him a B minus. I eagerly await the 2018 elections. This will tell the tale regarding Trumps future.
In this case, if I wanted to clarify my attitude, I would just put (snark) before the comment.