If the polling’s right, this could be an awkward Thanksgiving. After a bruising presidential election, a Gallup poll reports that 77 percent of Americans believe the country is divided on the most important values. But that doesn’t have to ruin your dinner this Thursday.
The perception of division is the best reason to skip politics when gathered for Thanksgiving. After a year and a half of wall-to-wall presidential coverage, there’s no need to restart old arguments. The nation deserves a few months to take a deep breath over the holiday.
So no, don’t talk about Obamacare this Thanksgiving. And yes, resist conversations about building a wall on the southern border. But if your extended family goes low, and when you need a political fix, go really high. Talk about President Lincoln’s Proclamation of Thanksgiving.
On all counts, 2016 is much more comfortable and peaceful than 1863. If citizens of the Union could find something to praise during the midst of the Civil War, then both drunk uncles and nasty women can discuss something besides the election.
Of course, division will always exist because it’s democratic. Over the last two decades, according to Gallup, an introspective America believes it’s more divided than united. Only twice in the last 20 years and in the wake of September 11th, has the country reported feelings of unity. But there’s no reason it has be exhaustive.
Political discourse shouldn’t divide Republican and Democratic households anymore this year. Trump and Clinton voters ought to carve turkey together while Bernie bros and never-Trump conservatives can clean up after the meal. Just don’t talk politics for a while.
Watching the Lions lose to the Vikings is much more interesting than a vicious debate about why the Electoral College should be replaced by the popular vote. And a two-story helium-filled Charlie Brown floating down fifth avenue is a better conversation topic than the next Supreme Court nominee.
The nation might believe it’s more divided than ever. But as the holidays begin, we should all just be thankful that elections are over for now.
Philip Wegmann is a commentary writer for the Washington Examiner.
