It's a matter of correctly framing the discussion. Lots of basic income forms already exist in the US, including:

  - Pensions
  - Alaska Permanent Fund
  - Child tax credits
  - Stimulus cheques
  - Social Security
  - Welfare

I just don't think it's a huge stretch to jump from these kinds of payments to an expectation that the government of a wealthy nation would supply all citizens with a stipend.

Maybe the phrase "basic income" is too closely associated with socialism... in that case, call it an automation tax credit or something. Once people start receiving the cheques, they'll realize that it's a pretty good deal— kind of like the ACA.