Thanksgiving and Political Discussion

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

I'm guessing some family members might have another word for it.

Oh, I am sure they do.

Just what people want on Thanksgiving, a lecture.

 

[mom2rtk]

I doubt you'll need a loophole.

I have a guess why Dad felt the need to make a rule.

 

[Hikergirl]

I have a guess why Dad felt the need to make a rule.

 

[BigAlsGal]

Well, this year, "my family" includes my husband and our son. We vote in Alabama. There isn't a booth, curtain or separate room in sight. Everyone votes sitting a long tables in a large room. I sat right between my husband and son, so yes, I was effectively "in the booth with them." Living with my husband for 25+ years and our son for 21+ years, yes, I know how they feel.

Uhhh....congrats?

 

[aprilgail]

Its going to be tough this year- I think my brother is the only one on one side and the rest of us on the other- he is still upset about the loss and it wont take much to push him over the edge!

 

[tvguy]

Curious about this - somebody upthread also mentioned not always knowing how their spouse votes. How many of us keep our votes secret from our closest significant-others such as husband/wife/children? My DS just recently came of voting age and he doesn't tell me how he voted but DH always does (and vice-versa). Another question would be how many people know or believe their spouse voted differently than they do?

I know how my spouse voted, and she knows how I voted. We voted for different candidates for the exact same reason. I think I know how my kids voted, I have no idea how my DIL and our guests voted.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

I would assume that the people you are spending Thanksgiving with are close family and friends who you have known all your life. I don't think its all that unusual for them to discuss who they are voting or have voted for. Sure some people could be assuming things, but if you know someone well enough you can probably guess with some accuracy where their political beliefs are. I mean, have you never ever discussed politics with anyone in your circle?


To the poster that plans to "educate" your family during their Thanksgiving dinner, No just no.

Well, my cousin's husband has been quite outspoken on numerous political ideals over the years. Now, the last time I saw him, he made it clear that one particular candidate just absolutely could not become our next President. And based on his ideals, that "should" have been his favorite. So, I would never assume - especially this year.

 

[Julie's Haircut]

I don't expect any problems today or Saturday at my brother's house.

On the other hand, a cousin is hosting a large family get-together on December 26. Hopefully by then any hurt feelings or boasting will have died off. If not, that air horn sounds like a good idea.

 

[Owlpost23]

My house,my rules.If someone starts in,I'm just going to say "I don't share your beliefs",and we'll move on to something else-like how bad the Bears are this year.We ALL agree on that!

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Curious about this - somebody upthread also mentioned not always knowing how their spouse votes. How many of us keep our votes secret from our closest significant-others such as husband/wife/children? My DS just recently came of voting age and he doesn't tell me how he voted but DH always does (and vice-versa). Another question would be how many people know or believe their spouse voted differently than they do?

I don't keep my vote secret every year, and my wife knows how I voted this year because I announced it before I went. Most years, we talk about who we want, or it's just obvious. Anyway, DW did not mention how she voted, and I didn't ask. There are several possibilities including simply abstaining from choosing, 3rd party, write in, or one of the mains. I would fully respect her choice no matter what, but since it hasn't come up, I see no reason to bring it up.

I remember the year Ross Perot ran my mom was concerned how my dad would vote. Made me assume they didn't tell each other.

 

[Julie's Haircut]

I remember way back when my father would TELL my mother who she's going to be voting for. Not sure if she ever complied, voting booths have always had curtains around here.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

I remember way back when my father would TELL my mother who she's going to be voting for. Not sure if she ever complied, voting booths have always had curtains around here.

My wife would vote the opposite (if she didn't divorce me first) if I tried to pull that crap. One of the reasons I love her

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

Uhhh....congrats?

You asked how I could know. That is how I know. Our family discusses politics and beliefs. We do it calmly and respectfully.

And yes, that is all of my family. My parents are gone, my sister lives over 1,000 miles away and our house guest is currently in the Navy.

 

[JimMIA]

One thing I am thankful for this Thanksgiving Day is that the darn election is finally OVER! Seems like the campaign lasted 10 years.

I don't anticipate any issues today, but for Christmas I think I'll put a table outside -- far away, on the other side of the pool -- for those who want to talk politics. Anybody who is still amped up by Christmas needs to be exiled to a place where they can contemplate what is really important in the real world.

 

[Soldier's*Sweeties]

Avoid it!
Picture this:
DH and his uncle vs. his aunt and I.
His grandmother saying she hates everyone.
His cousin making inappropriate "that's what she said" jokes.
My kids yelling "Why are you all yelling???"
This was the situation an hour ago.

 

[Mirielle]

Everyone coming for Thanksgiving dinner here (7p.m.) were here election night for a party. We all agree and are pretty much talked out.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Here's the thing for those who do engage: your candidate sucks - at least to some degree. They all do; they probably always have. They all lie, deceive, exaggerate, and make promises they have no intention of keeping. If you're willing to accept that fact about your candidate (and rest assured, it IS a fact) and if you're willing to listen to and accept criticism from the other side (no matter how over the top), the other side will be far more willing to hear YOUR side.

OTOH, if you insist everything your candidate does & says is perfect and everything the "other" candidate does & says is jacked, you're doomed. You're also wrong. Dead wrong.

 

[JimMIA]

Avoid it!
Picture this:
DH and his uncle vs. his aunt and I.
His grandmother saying she hates everyone.
His cousin making inappropriate "that's what she said" jokes.
My kids yelling "Why are you all yelling???"
This was the situation an hour ago.

And a joyous holiday season to you!

 

[Domo]

Politics is a HUGE no-no at our dinner table. You see, my Dad is a Conservative, my brother is a Labourite and I am a Liberal Democrat - the three opposing ends of the political spectrum and we don't have much in common! This Christmas will be especially tense following the EU In/Out referendum (Brexit), where we all have opposing views! So this year, this Christmas... the first person who raises the spectre of politics at the dinner table gets a turkey on the head.

 

[jdb in AZ]

Our dinner went better than expected. No political discussions at all. yea! The host (in his 70's) was having back spasms so he took a nap in his chair. Other likely male combatants were also zonked out after dinner -- must have been the tryptophan in the turkey. The kids were playing touch football in the backyard -- temp was in the mid 70's -- and the adult nieces were making plans to shop on Black Friday.