Yeah, this is a tough problem. One thought is that if the kid goes to a really good college, they'll be exposed to other really smart people... but it might not help by then. Maybe just by continuing to visit with friends/kid and saying stuff like you've said above, you'll be a positive influence? (Obviously it needs to be in context). Or (coming back to the original topic, sort of) point out that people are more easily persuaded/motivated to do stuff and listen to you when you treat them well, rather than like pond scum.