'Plant a few seeds': 4 ways to respond to MAGA relatives this Thanksgiving

In the United States, Thanksgiving is among the holidays that has become synonymous with intense political debates.

Many articles on progressive websites have described heated political conservations that, in 2024, recall the Archie Bunker character's conflicts with his liberal son-in-law, Mike "Meathead" Stivic (played by Rob Reiner), on the 1970s sitcom "All in the Family." Yet Bunker and "Meathead," for all their heated arguments, had a certain fondness for one another; the U.S. is even more politically divided in 2024 than it was during the tumultuous 1970s.

Journalist Jill Twiss, in an op-ed/listicle published by the Daily Beast on November 28, offers four possible ways to respond to far-right MAGA relatives on Thanksgiving.

READ MORE:Robert Reich: The last tariff increase 'ended up worsening the Great Depression'

"You know the drill: Thanksgiving is the time when families gather together, eat their weight in pie, drink three glasses of chardonnay and then fight," Twiss explains. "So in this fraught political climate, here are some guidelines for protecting your peace — and staying in enough folks' good graces that you get the last piece of pie."

Twiss' four recommendations are: (1) "Don't go," (2) "Stick to 'safe' topics," (3) "Fight about something else," and (4) "Have a thoughtful discussion — no, really."

"Maybe you're actually up for some lively debate," Twiss argues. "Perhaps you're a more evolved person than I, and can talk to someone who believes tariffs are going to make eggs cheaper …. Good for you. Here are a few tips if you're hoping to change minds and not just sever ties. First, try to listen more than you talk. I have never once done this, but godspeed."

Twiss adds, "The election is over. You can't go back in time to change your family’s votes, so maybe now is the time to listen and learn. Plant a few seeds that will hopefully lead to longer term mind-change. You absolutely don't have to put up with racism, misogyny or the equivalent, but short of that, it might be worth hearing what they have to say?"

READ MORE: Robert Reich: The last tariff increase 'ended up worsening the Great Depression'

Jill Twiss' full Daily Beast op-ed is available at this link (subscription required).