Search Engine How to talk (or not talk) politics at family holidays
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Nov 27, 2025 
Ezra Klein, a prominent journalist and host of The Ezra Klein Show, shares insights on navigating political discussions during family holidays. He discusses the challenges posed by differing political views in family settings, emphasizing listening over combative persuasion. Ezra argues that it's unlikely to change family members' minds but suggests focusing on understanding instead. He also highlights the importance of improving communication skills and fostering respect to ensure productive dialogues, making listening an active form of political engagement.
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Thanksgiving As A Political Stress Test
- Thanksgiving packs diverse, unchosen political views into a small space and reveals societal polarization vividly.
- PJ Vogt calls it a yearly test of how we handle ideological distance within families.
Chosen Communities Reduce Everyday Difference
- Many people now live in chosen communities that reinforce their political views and reduce everyday exposure to difference.
- Ezra Klein says Thanksgiving forces interaction with non-elective political diversity we rarely encounter.
Prioritize Listening Over Arguing
- Do listen more than you talk at family gatherings to build empathy and respect before trying to persuade.
- Ezra Klein says demonstrating listening helps others feel respected and keeps conversations constructive.