The NPR Politics Podcast How To Avoid Talking About Politics This Thanksgiving
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Nov 26, 2025 A recent poll reveals deep distrust between Republicans and Democrats, with both sides labeling each other as closed-minded and dishonest. As Thanksgiving approaches, families report avoiding political discussions due to past conflicts. The hosts share clever tactics for steering conversations away from politics, focusing on shared interests like sports and hobbies instead. They also touch on how the Trump era and social media have intensified divisions, while common concerns like grocery prices offer a unifying topic. Get ready for a holiday filled with harmony!
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Partisan Mistrust Shapes Holiday Tension
- The NPR/PBS News/Marist poll shows large majorities in each party view the other as closed-minded and dishonest when talking about politics.
- That divide creates anxiety about holiday gatherings and a sense that political conversations are often futile.
Family Rule: No Politics At Thanksgiving
- A Trump-voting man in Georgia said his liberal family enforces an unspoken rule: no politics at Thanksgiving to avoid ruining the holiday.
- Elena Moore heard similar stories of people feeling judged or defeated about political talks.
Use Deflection And Buffers
- Use deflection and curiosity to steer or soften political questions by asking why someone feels a certain way.
- Shift topics to neutral subjects like cooking or sports when you need a buffer.