WATCH: Fight or flight? Politics at the Thanksgiving table

We asked New Yorkers how they'll respond when politics enters the dinner table conversation

Published November 24, 2016 5:30PM (EST)

Whether you're at the adult or the kids table this Thanksgiving it is likely that the discussion of politics will unfold. "It's always rule of thumb you're not supposed to talk about politics with people," began one New Yorker we interviewed, "but I feel like politics is driving the conversation."

Responses varied from being eager to discuss the shaky political landscape, to gearing up for awkward glances, to even keeping political talk far from the turkey and stuffing.

"I'm a priest and I just preached from the pulpit that it's best right now to be men and women of peace and not talk politics at the table," one man said while another enthusiastically stated, "If the subject comes up, I'll definitely talk about it!"

Whether you engage or not, it's no secret that political discourse can get emotional and more than one in every three Americans say they're stressed out about the idea of talking about politics at the Thanksgiving dinner table. (ABC News/SSRS)

"I'm not having Thanksgiving with my family, that will help," expressed one lady.


By Peter Cooper

Peter Cooper is a video producer for Salon. He's a creator infused with many passions and can be found on Instagram and Twitter.

MORE FROM Peter Cooper

By Kevin Carlin

MORE FROM Kevin Carlin


Related Topics ------------------------------------------

Original Video Politics Thanksgiving