Politics Should Never Overrule Love: Your PR-Approved Guide to Surviving Thanksgiving Conversations
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, elastic waistbands, and explaining for the ninth year in a row what exactly it is you do for a living. It is not — at least in theory — meant to be a political debate stage with a gravy boat.
And yet, every November, millions of Americans sit down to a perfectly innocent meal that somehow transforms into an impromptu town hall meeting moderated by your ill-informed uncle.
Nobody ever was converted to a new way of thinking over mashed potatoes and pie. So here are some fast, friendly talking points to help you keep the peace when the going gets rough. After all, candidates come and go but family is forever.
Scenario I: Someone Brings Up Congress Before the Rolls Are Buttered
Them: “Did you hear what Congress just did?”
You: “No; I’m currently focused on what this casserole just did. Stunning work, Auntie Em.”
Redirecting toward carbohydrates is a timeless de-escalation tactic. Use it freely.
Scenario II: When Someone Says “I Just Don’t Understand How Anyone Could Vote For…”
This is the Thanksgiving equivalent of a tornado warning. DO. NOT. ENGAGE.
Possible responses:
· “Oh, you know? I’d love to take a break from politics today. Let’s just be together.”
· “I love you all too much to get political at Thanksgiving. Pass the rolls?”
· “We all came here to be together, not to hash out voting histories. Let’s keep this table a safe zone.”
The key: show empathy without becoming the evening’s keynote speaker.
Scenario III: When You’re Asked for Your Expert Political Opinion (Because You Work in That ‘Government Thing’)
This is your moment to shine… or to retreat gracefully.
You:
“I find Thanksgiving is a beautiful time to talk about what we share, not what we fear. But if you’d like my professional insight, I recommend we all hydrate and enjoy each other’s company.”
Your job is not to be the family pundit. Unless you want to be. In which case, proceed at your own risk.
Scenario IV: When Things Really Start to Heat Up
Remember: no one has ever changed their political worldview because of an argument held over mashed potatoes.
Try one of these resets:
· “Let’s pause for gratitude: we’re here together. That’s what matters.”
· “I love you more than I love being right.”
· “I love you enough to not discuss the budget this weekend.”
A Final Thought
At the end of the day, everyone around that table got there through history, family, luck, love, and maybe a little obligation. Politics matter, of course, but relationships matter more.
So pass the stuffing. Compliment the cook. Let love win over talking points. And remember: Thanksgiving is about connection, not conversion.
And if all else fails, you can always volunteer to do the dishes. That room is famously bipartisan.