I can see that the author is just the kind of person who is closed minded and won't consider other points of view. But why am I surprised - it is in the NY Times!!
9
If you write articles about how to talk politics with your annoying relative at Thanksgiving... you might actually be the annoying relative.
16
Interestingly, there's no mention here of issues of race/racism -- nothing about police abuse/violence/brutality against Blacks, no mention of the many protests on college campuses or of Black Lives Matter, etc. These will be important topics of discussion around some tables today.
5
Medical Problems - 5 minute Time-Limit.
The fight I'm having with Aunt Bessie - 2 minute Time-Limit.
With Uncle Iggy - 1 minute Time-Limit.
With my Mother - 30 seconds Time-Limit.
Politics - A truckload of Masking-Tape. For them mostly, but I could use a little myself.
(Wink!)
The fight I'm having with Aunt Bessie - 2 minute Time-Limit.
With Uncle Iggy - 1 minute Time-Limit.
With my Mother - 30 seconds Time-Limit.
Politics - A truckload of Masking-Tape. For them mostly, but I could use a little myself.
(Wink!)
3
What do you do or say when your respectful friends are of the opinion that Obama is a Muslim whose accomplishments have all failed, has never done anything good for the country, and is working to destroy America, the country he secretly hates?
6
Sigh inwardly, roll eyes and change the subject.
10
Just say politely, you don't agree. And move on. If these people are respectful friends, some part of them will hear that someone they like and respect doesn't agree, but you don't trigger defensiveness in them. So maybe a tiny part of them will open up to exploring more information.
3
find new friends
4
I plan to wear a Bernie t-shirt that declares,"Political Revolution,"
and has a list of his issues stenciled on the front. I don't feel threatened however since Thanksgiving will be in Portland, Oregon with friends and relatives
who are of the similar political persuasion.
and has a list of his issues stenciled on the front. I don't feel threatened however since Thanksgiving will be in Portland, Oregon with friends and relatives
who are of the similar political persuasion.
14
I brought a girlfriend over to Thanksgiving dinner once. She started calling it "ThanksTakingDay" to my much more conservative parents who just about had a heart attack. Some people would love a vigorous political debate. Some would rather debate the best team in whatever their sport of choice is. Know your audience.
13
Too bad that the liberals at the New York Times aren't feeling the Bern. Not only did the Times fail to cover Senator Sanders November 19 speech on his political philosophy, this piece continues to portray his candidacy as doomed.
We get it. The Times is the media outlet for the Clinton campaign. My faith in the Times's impartiality and journalistic integrity has been greatly reduced. I look forward to discussing this topic at Thanksgiving dinner.
We get it. The Times is the media outlet for the Clinton campaign. My faith in the Times's impartiality and journalistic integrity has been greatly reduced. I look forward to discussing this topic at Thanksgiving dinner.
38
Have you seen the Times editorial page today?
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/26/opinion/bernie-sanders-gets-immigratio...?
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/26/opinion/bernie-sanders-gets-immigratio...?
1
Yes, interesting (and surprising) to see. But note that the Times hasn't covered Sanders' immigration plan or most of his major speeches in its *news* pages, nor does it cover O'Malley in any meaningful way. By contrast, the Times' news pages cover Clinton exhaustively.
That the Times' editorial page provides better coverage of Sanders than its news pages underscores the problem.
That the Times' editorial page provides better coverage of Sanders than its news pages underscores the problem.
7
Mark my words: Trump has LOADS of cross over appeal with Independents and even many democrats. If GOP will gather around Rubio, who has NO cross over appeal, and barely inspires the republicans, it will lose another election. Trump can finally give them the popular vote.
As for Hillary as a nominee, the problem is that the people who don't her (dems and independents) hate her so purely that they would vote any Republican, just to stop here. So the dems will lose many votes....
As for Hillary as a nominee, the problem is that the people who don't her (dems and independents) hate her so purely that they would vote any Republican, just to stop here. So the dems will lose many votes....
11
Don't bet on that last statement. Independent voter who can't stand Hillary here, but when choosing the lesser of the evils, she would get my vote hands down over any of the Republican crop this year. Not one of them (and especially Trump) seems to have the slightest grip on reality.
4
Not sure you are correct about Democrats voting Republican to stop Hillary.
1
While I'm no HRC fan I flatly disagree with your reasoning. While many democrats and independents might "hate" her they typically agree with many of her positions (love the sinner, hate the sin). With that said, the republican platform is still missing too many planks for too many people which leads again to Madam President. JMHO.
4
I've learned over MANY years not to discuss politics with relatives over Thanksgiving dinner. Enjoying the great food and drink in peace is what is important to me. I don't need the agita.
19
The liberals in our family don't say much about politics, even when others note the loss by that liberal's fave state-office candidate. I guess they have the suffer-in-silence deal down pat.
The holidays are an odd time for the NY Times to become the grudge source. Half the opinion pieces lately have been on behalf of various old liberal grudges with America and our culture, not just political opponents.
It makes us yearn for the days when the Times just tried to report news in an unbiased fashion decades ago.
The holidays are an odd time for the NY Times to become the grudge source. Half the opinion pieces lately have been on behalf of various old liberal grudges with America and our culture, not just political opponents.
It makes us yearn for the days when the Times just tried to report news in an unbiased fashion decades ago.
13
There's always Fox "news" for those who can't stand the "bias".
20
Re Trump, I'll get out my smart phone (it won't be laying on the table) and show any of his supporters the Kasich ad with the Viet Vet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=AZ-pvH6_EMM&app...
As for Carson, all too easy. Just Google his quotes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=AZ-pvH6_EMM&app...
As for Carson, all too easy. Just Google his quotes.
2
Thanksgiving, decorated by divisive politics, giving thanks to whatever god they worship, and gluttony. Does anyone realize the basis of the holiday?
The occasion and event that created the holiday is the hospitality of the indigenous natives to the immigrants - illegal immigrants at that - the pilgrims.
The land of the natives, of what later became America, were occupying, hunting, farming and worshiping in their own religion. They were peaceable until the white man took there property.
The Native Americans, as they are now called, did not encounter the pilgrims with fear, violence, or deportation. Instead, they shared their land, their food, and their freedom of culture and religion, which fostered the white mass immigration that ensued. In return, over the following years the Native Americans were victims of white perpetrated genocide.
America, look around you. In great numbers, they tolerate and embrace politicians that are despicable. These mendacious, fear mongers, egomaniacs have no sense of Thanksgiving, nor any support of religious freedom and protection, or for needy immigrants even though we all are descendants of immigrants.
There is no room on this planet to contain the evil leaders or would-be leaders. On many fronts, the world of my youth is turning to a nightmare with the lack of so many Americans blinded by race, by religion, by facts and by having no clue of the real meaning of Thanksgiving.
The occasion and event that created the holiday is the hospitality of the indigenous natives to the immigrants - illegal immigrants at that - the pilgrims.
The land of the natives, of what later became America, were occupying, hunting, farming and worshiping in their own religion. They were peaceable until the white man took there property.
The Native Americans, as they are now called, did not encounter the pilgrims with fear, violence, or deportation. Instead, they shared their land, their food, and their freedom of culture and religion, which fostered the white mass immigration that ensued. In return, over the following years the Native Americans were victims of white perpetrated genocide.
America, look around you. In great numbers, they tolerate and embrace politicians that are despicable. These mendacious, fear mongers, egomaniacs have no sense of Thanksgiving, nor any support of religious freedom and protection, or for needy immigrants even though we all are descendants of immigrants.
There is no room on this planet to contain the evil leaders or would-be leaders. On many fronts, the world of my youth is turning to a nightmare with the lack of so many Americans blinded by race, by religion, by facts and by having no clue of the real meaning of Thanksgiving.
32
Thanks for this! Especially about what was done - genocide_ to the native American tribes across this country.
7
As true as your statements are, I don't know anyone who really "celebrates" Thanksgiving as a tribute to the pilgrims. The holiday has morphed into a day to get together with friends and/or family and celebrate each other.
2
No no no no no no no
If you are a liberal ( like me) here are the topics you can discuss with your Republican ( Trump favoring) relatives.
1) Have you seen the movie Rich Kids? Donald Trumps children are the only ones profiled who seem to not be repulsive. They all seem serious and hard working. Got to give him credit. How do you think he managed this when so many have trouble with raising kids like that?
2) isn't it interesting that both Trump and Clinton have Jewish in laws?
3) Ben Carson seems so smart in some areas but like he's struggling a bit in others. Do you think he will be able to improve on his foreign policy knowledge as the debates go on?
4) Who do you think the Republican nominee will be ? How early will they sew up the nomination?
5) If Trump is the nominee who do you think would make a desirable VP?
I have found great success with these topics and didn't have to shudder too much or hold my tounge the entire time.
If you are a liberal ( like me) here are the topics you can discuss with your Republican ( Trump favoring) relatives.
1) Have you seen the movie Rich Kids? Donald Trumps children are the only ones profiled who seem to not be repulsive. They all seem serious and hard working. Got to give him credit. How do you think he managed this when so many have trouble with raising kids like that?
2) isn't it interesting that both Trump and Clinton have Jewish in laws?
3) Ben Carson seems so smart in some areas but like he's struggling a bit in others. Do you think he will be able to improve on his foreign policy knowledge as the debates go on?
4) Who do you think the Republican nominee will be ? How early will they sew up the nomination?
5) If Trump is the nominee who do you think would make a desirable VP?
I have found great success with these topics and didn't have to shudder too much or hold my tounge the entire time.
18
To AJ:
To answer #1: I agree Trump has a very impressive extended family and that includes his in-laws.
To answer #4: Trump.
To answer #5: Cruz
Why? They are both extremely well-educated - Trump was educated at the Wharton School and is a born leader. Cruz was educated at Princeton. Trump is worldly. Look at his business properties that he has built up all over the U.S. and the world. His overseas properties are situated in Toronto, Vancouver, Rio, Mumbai, Istanbul, manila, Baku, Bali, Dubai , Great Britain, to name just a few .
U.S. Senator Cruz is very bright and was captain of his Princeton debating team. They would make a good team and could quickly get down to business working closely with the U.S. Congress to make our country great again.
To answer #1: I agree Trump has a very impressive extended family and that includes his in-laws.
To answer #4: Trump.
To answer #5: Cruz
Why? They are both extremely well-educated - Trump was educated at the Wharton School and is a born leader. Cruz was educated at Princeton. Trump is worldly. Look at his business properties that he has built up all over the U.S. and the world. His overseas properties are situated in Toronto, Vancouver, Rio, Mumbai, Istanbul, manila, Baku, Bali, Dubai , Great Britain, to name just a few .
U.S. Senator Cruz is very bright and was captain of his Princeton debating team. They would make a good team and could quickly get down to business working closely with the U.S. Congress to make our country great again.
3
If Trump wins the nomination, I think it's fairly obvious that his natural running mate would have to be Howard Stern. Who else would there be?
8
If I'm really desperate for conversation with conservative relatives I ask them to come up with all the pres/vp teams they think would be good. Since I have no dog in that fight I don't have to worry that I'll be offended by what they say.
Also discussing whether the nomination will be quickly established it more drawn out is a good political discussion to have with those on the other side.
Also discussing whether the nomination will be quickly established it more drawn out is a good political discussion to have with those on the other side.
1
I have the opposite problem. I grew up with vigorous family debates at every meal, including Thanksgiving. My in-laws believe that nothing even remotely controversial should be discussed at the table. My MIL believes that, as hostess, it is her job to fill the silence with inane monologues. I would relish a good political debate for a change.
10
@Nyt you may want to write off Sanders supporters as limited to affluent white, but that ignores they upwards of 90% support he receives among young people. People no linger trust a rigged system and want someone with a record that backs up their convictions.
17
We have never discussed politics at the Thanksgiving Day dinner table. Instead we talk of what we're thankful for and how we love each other. We talk of what we're eating, or not, as the case may be. We pass food to each other and enjoy the company of family. We then retire to cleaning up and watching the myriad football games being offered. This is an infantile piece trying to roil the troops. Chill, there is plenty of time to discuss politics. The dinner table at Thanksgiving isn't one of them.
6
Well, Jeff, that's nice that you have a family that is reasonable
and gracious at the Thanksgiving table, but not every family
has that situation. So, therefore, it's not "infantile" or "trying
to roil the troops" for folks to think about how they might handle
certain topics that may come up, or to even think about moderating
their own behavior if warranted.
and gracious at the Thanksgiving table, but not every family
has that situation. So, therefore, it's not "infantile" or "trying
to roil the troops" for folks to think about how they might handle
certain topics that may come up, or to even think about moderating
their own behavior if warranted.
11
I remember when the most extreme reactions came with, "White or dark meat?" Please leave your politics at my door - I don't particularly care what you think.
10
What I really can't abide is people who say, "Oh, I don't pay much attention to politics. It doesn't really affect / interest me."
For me, it's about the endgame - I want a Democrat who will appoint sensible judges to the Federal and Supreme Courts. Sanders could never win a general election (except maybe against Ted Cruz, and that's a contest I definitely would not want to see). So for me it makes sense to get behind Hillary now. Similarly, I would love to see Trump as the Republican nominee. This is about strategy, pure and simple.
For me, it's about the endgame - I want a Democrat who will appoint sensible judges to the Federal and Supreme Courts. Sanders could never win a general election (except maybe against Ted Cruz, and that's a contest I definitely would not want to see). So for me it makes sense to get behind Hillary now. Similarly, I would love to see Trump as the Republican nominee. This is about strategy, pure and simple.
11
I have always enjoyed talking politics at the dinner table, with one caveat. I will respect and listen to your opinion, if you do the same for me. My friends are all over the political spectrum, and though they may not agree with my views, they respect that I am engaged and passionate about the world.
Though I am a huge Obama supporter, give me a right wing Carson/Trump partisan any day at the dinner table, instead of a bland Independent with no opinions or passions.
Though I am a huge Obama supporter, give me a right wing Carson/Trump partisan any day at the dinner table, instead of a bland Independent with no opinions or passions.
6
Thanksgiving meals would be a lot quieter if people did not take left-leaning NYT articles or right-wing Fox News pieces as complete and accurate journalism.
Both entities pander to their dyed-in-the-wool "my politics are right and yours are all wrong" knee-jerk emotions.
Independents such as me will focus on the football games to tune out the shrill coming from the left vs. right drama.
Both entities pander to their dyed-in-the-wool "my politics are right and yours are all wrong" knee-jerk emotions.
Independents such as me will focus on the football games to tune out the shrill coming from the left vs. right drama.
7
"Why does anyone support Trump/Carson/Sanders/etc.?"
Because they're tired of the parties that currently exist, and the candidates that represent those parties.
Because they're tired of the parties that currently exist, and the candidates that represent those parties.
14
I recently found out that one of the relatives of my son-in-law who we will be visiting (overnight visit) during the holidays is an extreme right-wing supporter. A bit touchy for me because I am a strong, left-wing progressive, and really enjoy good ol' political debate. However, I am going to totally keep my political self under wraps. Reason? Because extreme anyone is not going to hear what I say, and I am afraid that I am pretty judgmental about people who take dogmatic positions, especially when those positions deny reality.
SO, that having been said, I totally did not like this column, which had very subjective content. I was expecting advice on how not to alienate family and friends, and instead found another example of media stating bias as facts. I want to encourage discussion among people who celebrate our national holiday...and this column did nothing to contribute to that goal.
SO, that having been said, I totally did not like this column, which had very subjective content. I was expecting advice on how not to alienate family and friends, and instead found another example of media stating bias as facts. I want to encourage discussion among people who celebrate our national holiday...and this column did nothing to contribute to that goal.
14
Conversation at the dinner table? While everyone is on her/his smartphone. I don't think so. Welcome to the 21 Century.
16
I tend to stay away from people whose political views are so incompatible with my own, Sorry but in life I try to take the middle road now. What appears reasonable to one sometimes is not to the other, There are so many topics books, movies, music etc. to share and talk about as well as asking sincere questions about one's new activities. Learning new information and being interested in the other is a sure bet for success. That's my opiniion
5
My brother and family are Massachusetts liberals while his wife's relatives from up state NY are arch conservatives (and Bills fans...sorry about the outcome with the Pats). After unpleasant political arguments one Thanksgiving my sister-in-law imposed a $25 fine on any one who brought up politics. Ah a peaceful Thanksgiving at last. My all the readers of this comment have a peaceful Thanksgiving tomorrow.
18
Love this article! I am now ready for Thanksgiving and the inevitable conversation. Thank you for sharing your gift of writing.
3
There can be teaching moments as well. One of the younger adults in our gathering (who peripherally follows the news) asked me what is ISIS all about and what's the deal with the gun issue? I said we'll discuss at Thanksgiving when she comes "home" from New York to California. While there are different perspectives on these topics at least we can explain a little to her - particularly about ISIS and its origins. She might get a view slanted by the political leanings of our gathering but there are some real facts here to disseminate.
5
This should be titled, "How NOT to talk to your relatives about politics at Thanksgiving". I am a bit confused here...
16
Bernie will not get the nomination. I hope no one has a handgun that can shoot me through their computer.
15
The Donald knows that there are such guns- he's seen thousands of 'em.
15
Ditto Carson.
4
Wow another Clinton push piece from the Times... Of course Bernie can win and he would have a much better shot if he could get some fair coverage from the press. So here's what I'm going to do and hopefully this may catch on. If Bernie Sanders wins the Democratic nomination I will subscribe to the NY Times for a year and if he wins the presidency I'll do it for every year he's in office.
56
Right? The NYT coverage has been absurdly pro-Hillary, disregarding the increasing momentum being gained by the Sanders campaign. All coverage of Sanders has been vaguely condescending. "Oh, he may pull off an upset or two." And we'll see if Hillary's "strength with black voters" hold up as Bernie's support grows.
12
Sour grapes. The fact is that the Times has been covering Bernie extensively. See today's Politics section for an example. What Bernie supporters don't like hearing is the fact that, as popular as he is, he stands little chance of winning in a significant number of key states, and even if he won, little chance of being elected. And if elected, would stand zero chance of getting his admirable policies enacted. Would you prefer that the Times not try to predict who will win? Or would you like some fawning articles on Bernie, or some predictions that, despite all the real numbers, his chances are great?
6
An article about Sanders' governance as mayor of Burlington, VT is fine, but not the point. The Times has failed to cover Sanders' key speeches, rallies and policy positions with any depth.
Example: a Times article last week noted that Sanders would be making a major speech about democratic socialism on November 19... but failed to cover the speech itself.
Example: today's Times contains an editorial endorsing Sanders' immigration proposals, but those proposals have never been covered in the news pages of the Times.
The problem is that the Times' news coverage of the 2016 race is inadequate and highly biased. Clinton is covered far more extensively than Sanders or O'Malley. On the Republican side, most coverage goes to Trump.
Example: a Times article last week noted that Sanders would be making a major speech about democratic socialism on November 19... but failed to cover the speech itself.
Example: today's Times contains an editorial endorsing Sanders' immigration proposals, but those proposals have never been covered in the news pages of the Times.
The problem is that the Times' news coverage of the 2016 race is inadequate and highly biased. Clinton is covered far more extensively than Sanders or O'Malley. On the Republican side, most coverage goes to Trump.
3
The most effective way to drive Trump supporters nuts is to agree with whatever they say. When someone else says it, it just sounds so incredibly stupid that no one wants to talk about it anymore.
53
Plus the more The Donald gets attacked the more his supporters will circle the wagons.
The best thing the media can do is IGNORE Trump.
But don't so because it will decrease print circulation and TV/radio ratings so that will never happen.
The best thing the media can do is IGNORE Trump.
But don't so because it will decrease print circulation and TV/radio ratings so that will never happen.
3
Ben, we shouldn't ignore the Great Birther. First, he commands enough support to warrant the coverage. Second, most importantly, cover his utterances early and often. The more extreme he becomes the more reasonable people, including many conservatives (as opposed to rightists), will see the man for what he is.
2
For heaven's sake leave your smartphone in your purse. Nothing is worse than someone who takes it upon themselves to fact-check statements that are coming out of their relatives mouths!
If you are lucky enough to have relatives who have genuinely different opinions than your own, say you're a New Yorker visiting your Evangelical Christian cousins in Texas, take some time to listen to them and understand what drives their opinions. You might learn something.
If you are lucky enough to have relatives who have genuinely different opinions than your own, say you're a New Yorker visiting your Evangelical Christian cousins in Texas, take some time to listen to them and understand what drives their opinions. You might learn something.
30
Yes, you're absolutely right. And of course it's also true that the Evangelical Christian cousins should take the time to listen to their elite atheist cousins from New York. They might learn something as well. See what I'm driving at?
33
Then let's just start out by saying that our democracy is rigged and that freedom of the press at the NYT is very compromised by the influence of the Wall Street behemoths who advertise here.
Before a vote has ever been cast, before Bernie Sanders was introduced to the electorate, the so-called liberal mainstream media, especially the NYT, has been declaring HRC the winner of the Democratic nomination, and it continues today with this column. However, there is a parallel universe where Bernie generates the most enthusiasm on the internet, has the biggest crowds at his rallies, the most small donors contributing to his campaign, and has risen from 3% in the polls from nationally in May, to 33% today. Before Bernie was ever introduced to African American voters, there were numerous articles emphasizing how polls show that Hillary will win the vast majority of that demographic. It is so very obvious that this process is rigged both by the DNC and the corporate owned media.
We Bernie supporters are pretty tired of the meme that Hillary's coronation is a foregone conclusion, and will keep fighting against these antidemocratic headwinds. Hillary generates zero enthusiasm and if coronated will end up on the lengthy list of lost presidential elections along with John Kerry, Al Gore (yes, he did actually win), Michael Dukakis and Walter Mondale.
Please NYT, give Bernie the in-depth journalistic coverage that he has earned!
Before a vote has ever been cast, before Bernie Sanders was introduced to the electorate, the so-called liberal mainstream media, especially the NYT, has been declaring HRC the winner of the Democratic nomination, and it continues today with this column. However, there is a parallel universe where Bernie generates the most enthusiasm on the internet, has the biggest crowds at his rallies, the most small donors contributing to his campaign, and has risen from 3% in the polls from nationally in May, to 33% today. Before Bernie was ever introduced to African American voters, there were numerous articles emphasizing how polls show that Hillary will win the vast majority of that demographic. It is so very obvious that this process is rigged both by the DNC and the corporate owned media.
We Bernie supporters are pretty tired of the meme that Hillary's coronation is a foregone conclusion, and will keep fighting against these antidemocratic headwinds. Hillary generates zero enthusiasm and if coronated will end up on the lengthy list of lost presidential elections along with John Kerry, Al Gore (yes, he did actually win), Michael Dukakis and Walter Mondale.
Please NYT, give Bernie the in-depth journalistic coverage that he has earned!
89
This is a pretty humorous article. How about gently trying to convince your middle-aged and elderly Clintonista relatives that Hillary is just another corporatist grifter (somehow more carefully worded of course) who doesn't give a toss about anything other than obtaining the highest office in the land.... And why not jump on a truly grassroots effort to get Bernie Sanders the nomination instead? It's happened before after all.
57
Oh yes, the dreaded fatal flaw of HRC that she is ambitious. Because you know, there has never been a presidential candidate with ambition. Oh wait, I forget, HRC is a woman, so ambition on her part is a bad thing.
30
Gentle reminder that when Berne and Hillary shared two years in the US Senate together their voting records were 93% the same.
5
Bernie is going to win!!! Happy Thanksgiving.
51
If you can't talk about politics you're going to be stuck with sex and religion. :)
Happy Thanksgiving.
Happy Thanksgiving.
12
Do you people not watch football? The NFL was invented for people like me - raised up by Goldwater GOP parents but somehow am a Bernie loving, Obama voted Progressive. Football on all holidays keeps me out the gun closet - which my parents have, proudly, upstairs, unlocked. Happy Thanksgiving and go Seahawks!
28
whatever you do, just remember to be sincere, whether you mean it or not.
27
and when you get to a fork in the conversation- take it.
and say thanks for Yogi.
and say thanks for Yogi.
11
There is no "talking" about politics with my relatives. There is my mother sniping comments about Obama, my brother shouting about gun rights and my sister blathering about what high-level Democrats she met recently at some event or other with her (25 years her senior) boyfriend. When the extended family gets together, it turns into a real free-for-all between arch communists and capitalists. Ugh.
My strategy is to keep my mouth more or less constantly full, so I can simply nod and make noises that they take for agreement but which are actually just approving sounds related to the food or wine. I then leave as soon as I can.
I suppose talking about politics avoids the talking about other issues (gee, can you tell that there are some), but my favorite Thanksgiving memory is the year I went to London by myself for the long weekend. A turkey and cranberry sandwich from Pret followed by a mini chocolate pecan tart, all washed down with a nice cider while reading a favorite book made for a lovely -- and peaceful -- holiday.
My strategy is to keep my mouth more or less constantly full, so I can simply nod and make noises that they take for agreement but which are actually just approving sounds related to the food or wine. I then leave as soon as I can.
I suppose talking about politics avoids the talking about other issues (gee, can you tell that there are some), but my favorite Thanksgiving memory is the year I went to London by myself for the long weekend. A turkey and cranberry sandwich from Pret followed by a mini chocolate pecan tart, all washed down with a nice cider while reading a favorite book made for a lovely -- and peaceful -- holiday.
50
Talking politics is just an icebreaker to deeper interior familial conflict and discord.
28
The dinners I fear may be at high risk of becoming highly acrimonious this Thanksgiving, are those populated by at least 2 generations of Amherst, Princeton and Yale (Calhoun College) alums, and a freshman at these institutions which are revered by the family. When the present generation of family members attending these august bastions of higher learning, starts in on the horror of singing Lord Jeffrey Amherst, or that deplorable racist Woodrow Wilson whose name should be erased from all that is Princeton, and the insistence about the renaming of Calhoun College, some wills may well be changed on Friday and threats made of withholding tuition payments for the 2nd semester. It's SUCH an easy way for that freshman to show his newfound independence and rebel against everything the family has stood for for generations.
10
Oh, the horrors your family must endure.
28
Politics? I thought the classic Thanksgiving dinner conversation was all about dredging up old resentments within your family.
68
Which is why more wills are rewritten soon after the Holiday.
MJ
MJ
13
My family are experts at both.
16
Avoiding the topic entirely is best, although some Fox News drone will probably make a comment.
11
I solved that in my home. I use the children's blocking feature on the television to block out Fox News, MSNBC or any other channel with talking heads. Whoever picks up the remote can't get to their favorite opinion channel.
27
If people don't talk about politics, we end up with a vacuum in which people don't think about their own opinions or consider those that differ. One political topic most of us can agree on is the need for more people to get active in political issues at the local level - - school boards, utility districts, transportation districts, city and county commissions, etc. Let's fill those positions with informed, ethical, and community-minded people.
As Oregon's Governor Tom McCall said, "Heroes are not giant statues framed against a red sky. They are people who say, 'This is my community, and it is my responsibility to make it better.'"
As Oregon's Governor Tom McCall said, "Heroes are not giant statues framed against a red sky. They are people who say, 'This is my community, and it is my responsibility to make it better.'"
14
Really? There is a time a place for everything. But over Thanksgiving dinner?
Oh yes as Larry Dipple, weaver of naked mole rat sweaters once said, "Let's eat!"
Oh yes as Larry Dipple, weaver of naked mole rat sweaters once said, "Let's eat!"
1
Simply say something that you know will send your family over the edge and when they try to respond say that you don't want to talk politics.
64
Do it again 5 minutes later.
35
If you are the host, set the ground rules as no discussions on politics, religion, or any other hot button issues. If you are a guest, don't rise (or sink low) to incendiary comments. Take another sip of wine and stay neutral.
10
A coach I know taught me, "It's interesting that you feel that way. Tell me, what's that about for you?" A libertarian activist I know taught me, "Common ground can't be found until we shut up, sit down, and ask someone, 'Tell me your story,' and truly listen." Is it a coincidence that both of these wise individuals are women?
Listen, be compassionate and curious, ask questions, and then wait. You may well find that before pie is served, that person you disagree with asks you to tell your story of why you hold the positions you do.
Listen, be compassionate and curious, ask questions, and then wait. You may well find that before pie is served, that person you disagree with asks you to tell your story of why you hold the positions you do.
46
That's a laugh. The talkers like to hear themselves talk! The louder they are the less likely they would be interested in what anyone else has to say. Listening to all the negative talk is all one can do.
8
What about the politically correct slant of this article?
How do relatives who are not Far Left deal with the assumptions by people such as this that anyone who thinks differently is a racist and a xenophobe?
How do relatives who are not Far Left deal with the assumptions by people such as this that anyone who thinks differently is a racist and a xenophobe?
12
"How do relatives who are not Far Left deal with the assumptions by people such as this that anyone who thinks differently is a racist and a xenophobe?"
How about accepting the truth because in many cases it is absolutely true?
Maybe being a Texan has warped my views but the majority of Whites here are either overtly racist or worse sneakily discriminate by hiring White friends who are less qualified.
Like the old saying goes: Where there is smoke there is fire.
Fix the rot from within and then people will stop thinking the majority of Whites are racist.
How about accepting the truth because in many cases it is absolutely true?
Maybe being a Texan has warped my views but the majority of Whites here are either overtly racist or worse sneakily discriminate by hiring White friends who are less qualified.
Like the old saying goes: Where there is smoke there is fire.
Fix the rot from within and then people will stop thinking the majority of Whites are racist.
15
The best and most easily flowing conversations are on the subjects about which the people know nothing.
How about such a hypothetical topic: "What would have been Hillary's standing at the polls if she locked Bill out of the White House at the time of his sexual shenanigans? How big would have been the constitutional crisis created by her action of a betrayed and humiliated wife?"
How about such a hypothetical topic: "What would have been Hillary's standing at the polls if she locked Bill out of the White House at the time of his sexual shenanigans? How big would have been the constitutional crisis created by her action of a betrayed and humiliated wife?"
3
Oh, for dog's sake. Give it a rest. The Clinton marriage is none of our business. It wasn't our business then, it isn't our business now.
76
What about the recent rumors that Hillary is about to be indicted for mishandling classified information? That would make a fun topic.....
9
What about the rumor that Rubio can't balance a checkbook? Or that Ted Cruz isn't really an American? Those would make fun topics.....
Seriously, grow up, turn off Faux Noise.
Seriously, grow up, turn off Faux Noise.
38
Or Obama's birth certificate.
7
Or the Cruz birth certificate? or the Donald's hair. We wouldn't want to have a discussion of real issues.
17
These days, there's no one more suited to giving tips on handling awkward political conversations than awkward academics! ;-)
As an aside, I'm referring to academics in general. I should know. I work with them. :-)
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
As an aside, I'm referring to academics in general. I should know. I work with them. :-)
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
3
This article should be renamed: "How to Relay the New York Times' Beliefs About Hillary Clinton's Sainthood to Your Family at Thanksgiving."
70
Easy! Talk about the weather!
3
Why on Earth would any sane person inject politics in a family celebration? Hold on, I think I just answered my own question.
17
Amongst the invaluable lessons my parents taught me, one does not bring up religion or politics in polite company.
33
Yes, but we're not talking about "polite company", we talking
about relatives!
about relatives!
67
If they're related, one can only hope that they, too, are well bred enough not to venture into treacherous waters.
3
That's a good point, but often there's one person who likes
to "stir the pot", then we're off to the races.
to "stir the pot", then we're off to the races.
12
on your avian intifada,
singing yabba-dabba-Jihada-dabba-doo.
Asparagus and yams,
cranberries and varied cans,
will be consumed to feed your gaping maw.
Meat, both white and dark,
and a healthy dose of snark,
will accompany the stuffing and the slaw.
Celery and spices,
can't compare to all the vices,
as you gossip and malign your boss and friends.
Oh pass the blessed turkey,
you know we might have just had jerky,
in the future we will try to make amends.
Sally's home from school,
Bob just bought some brand new tools,
the conversations drone and never end.
You'll argue till you're weepy,
then you'll all get rather sleepy,
and retire to watch some violence, or football.
You'll drink up all the wine,
then complain about the time,
it takes to get to where you have to go.
You'll root your favorite team,
whilst your busting at the seams,
then complain about the weather as you leave.
"We have to go, it's getting dark!"
To your spouses you will bark.
Round up the kids, their coats,
and find their mittens in their sleeves.
All in all another day,
and we've yet to hear one say,
"I'll ne'er do this again".
Though you think it every year,
you go along, perhaps from fear?
or are you hungry and just don't want to cook?
You could just make excuses,
citing avian abuses,
that would surely get you off the hook.
It won't be long 'til Christmas,
as you consider your physical fitness,
and realize that your golden goose is cooked.