On Politics

Wed Nov 22 2023

Karissa Waddick | 2024 Campaign Reporter

@KarissaWaddick

Hi OnPolitics readers! With Thanksgiving just a day away, the time has arrived for turkey, football and maybe a food coma or two. For many Americans, the holiday also will entail navigating – or trying to avoid – heated political discussions with relatives.

Whether you're planning to dig in or steer clear of these debates around the Thanksgiving table, we've got you covered. Here's the lowdown on how to keep tensions low and have a happy holiday.

How to approach politics with relatives: When political debate is inevitable, the key to keeping the conversation civil – and avoiding a food fight – is to approach the other person's point of view with curiosity and empathy.

"Try to keep it friendly. Skip the insults and the sarcasm and watch your body language," Eileen Kennedy-Moore, a clinical psychologist and host of the advice podcast "Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic, suggested. "Keep it open and relaxed, lean back, have your arms and your elbows away from your body – and definitely no pointing."

How to avoid politics at the table: If the goal this holiday season is to avoid political debate, Kennedy-Moore recommends prepping alternative topics for the Thanksgiving table ahead of time

"We want to focus on what brings us together," she explained. "That could be our shared interest or shared experiences with people that we care about."

How to exit unwanted political conversations: In case the conversation around the table unexpectedly veers south, Kennedy-Moore also advised creating an exit strategy.

"If difficult topics come up, and you don't want to go there, you can give just noncommittal 'hmm,' or ... change the subject," she said. If the discussion persists, it may be appropriate to leave the table, or even the event, as a last resort.