Come November, do you think of politics or turkey?  November always brings these two to the front of Americans’ minds.  But this year, as has been the recent trend, will bring a particularly divisive election result.  According to NPR, over half of Americans dread having to discuss politics at the Thanksgiving table.  While there may be fewer people sitting around the Thanksgiving table this year, that does not mean that the likelihood for a controversial conversation is eliminated.  So if you, like the majority of Americans, have some apprehensions about Turkey Day conversations, how do you navigate these difficult topics, or better yet, avoid them altogether?

The best course of action for avoiding political conflict is to avoid the topic.  Some easy topics to keep in mind include the football game that day.  While there may still be some disagreement on the preferred outcome, this is typically less personal.  Another good conversation starter would be to focus on the name of Thanksgiving itself.  What are some things from 2020 to be thankful for?  How have these “thanks” changed from previous years?  

If  a member of your table seems insistent about debating, rank the dishes on a Thanksgiving table from best to worst.  Debate cranberry sauce vs gravy, rather than Trump vs. Biden.  These topics should lead the conversation away from any politics.

If the previous topics just aren’t working, and the table keeps coming around to the political climate or the recent election, it is important to keep a few things in mind.  For one thing, try to approach any conversation with the idea that both sides are trying to find the best solution to an issue; the sides just have different views on the best solution.  Always listen before disagreeing.  While it might be a familiar argument, perhaps there are new points or reasons for the belief.  You don’t necessarily have to agree, but perhaps there are points you misunderstood previously.  If you think you misunderstood, ask questions.  If you think they may have misinterpreted a fact or something you said, politely clarify.  But at the end of the day, remember that the world will never agree, and if your Thanksgiving table can’t share political beliefs, that is okay.  At least you can share pie.