Althouse: I am trying so hard to resist clicking on any click bait articles like "This Is What It's Like to Be the Only Trump Fan at Thanksgiving Dinner."

November 22, 2017

I am trying so hard to resist clicking on any click bait articles like "This Is What It's Like to Be the Only Trump Fan at Thanksgiving Dinner."

How about you?

69 comments:

Big Mike said...: My boys, and the one son's fiance, are coming to visit for their mother's turkey with apple-sausage stuffing. And we're all Trump fans already. We already have a better country under Trump than we did under Obama, and Hillary Clinton would have given us a worse country than we had under Obama.; 11/22/17, 8:33 AM
Darrell said...: The theme of our Thanksgiving dinner this year is "Hillary Clinton will never be President of the United States." As it is every year, starting with 1996.; 11/22/17, 8:36 AM
tim in vermont said...: I maybe should write one. BTW, just drove past PBI and man did it warm my heart to see AF-1 parked there, Hillary Rodham Clinton not within a thousand miles.; 11/22/17, 8:39 AM
Marcus said...: My parents are now long gone. But because I was the only conservative in the family, I got picked on en masse. I finally told my mother (who did not join in the political gang-rape) that I had had enough and would not come to her house again due to the politics at the dinner table. She decided then and there that my presence was more important than the expressing of "It's only sex!" and "Republicans are......"; she forbade any political discussion in the house while I was there and we even devised a code word of stopping attempts dead in their tracks: "Pass the salt!" As soon as my heathen brother would begin to ask if I would adopt all the babies if they were not aborted, choruses of "Pass the salt! Pass the salt" would erupt, laughter would ensue, and we would be a family at the dinner table again. As it should be.; 11/22/17, 8:39 AM
Sprezzatura said...: The only way that sorta headline would possibly be compelling imho would be if it was from a parody website. Same goes for the reverse type of headline, e.g. some lib whining about having to hang w/ their con relatives.

Even then, my clicking is very unlikely.; 11/22/17, 8:40 AM
tim in vermont said...: It will take incredible will power to resist saying what I am most thankful for in front of my Jewish extended family who all have the stereotypical politics.; 11/22/17, 8:45 AM
Laslo Spatula said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 11/22/17, 8:47 AM
The Cracker Emcee Refulgent said...: Only incontinent retards would foul a family event with arguments over religion and politics. Alas, "incontinent retards" is a working description of much of the Left these days. Conservatives (as opposed to Life-Long Republicans) are much less willing to play the have-you-no-decency game in public these days, but at the personal level they still show far more restraint than the slobbering hysterics of Progdom.; 11/22/17, 8:48 AM
Bay Area Guy said...: I love my in-laws to death. Wonderful folks, and Yes, they hate Trump, and know I voted for him.

Well, they're in their 80s, and have had long, productive lives. Politically, they're still stuck in 1962 as JFK Democrats.

But at the T-giving table, I'm gonna smile and nod if/when they bash Trump. Maybe, a few gentle zingers about how Hillary rigged the primary against Bernie, but nothing else. They are really sweet, tough old people, so I give them a pass on politics.

Gobble, gobble.; 11/22/17, 8:49 AM
traditionalguy said...: My daughter in law's birthday turned into a Family Reunion of sorts Sunday. And the out of town group from Florida stayed there one night and at our home the next night. Much wine was consumed. Knowing that, we gave the Daughter in law a gift package of Trump wines and wine glasses with a Trump T on them.

Much to everyone's surprise, the wines were excellent.

Now we go back again tomorrow for dinner joined by the rest of the Lake Oconee crowd. But no one talks politics. They are mature adults... the women are strong and the children are above average.; 11/22/17, 8:50 AM
Wince said...: Problem is people on the left almost by definition can't simply compartmentalize the discussion as just politics.; 11/22/17, 8:51 AM
I Have Misplaced My Pants said...: We don't usually have anyone to dinner* but if we did, I would have a strict no-politics rule. I'd order a word-art sign that says 'We look forward to a delightful afternoon of great food and pleasant conversation; to that end, you are now entering a no-politics-allowed zone' from Etsy, frame it, and put it on the front porch.

*I am making a turkey, glazed ham, gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing, broccoli casserole, creamed corn, sweet potato casserole, green beans with almonds, orange-cranberry relish, yeast rolls, apple crisp, pumpkin pie, cherry pie and chocolate mousse pie....so that my younger kids will choke down a few bites of turkey and try to eat six rolls. At least my husband and the teenagers are appreciative.; 11/22/17, 8:52 AM
Dust Bunny Queen said...: We are spending Thanksgiving at home without a big family get together this year. Everyone is either too far, some not very well right now, have to work on Friday, are attending a funeral, or have very small children and it is hard to travel.

No need to read the articles because since the last time we had a MAJOR blow out about talking politics, we (husband and I) got up from the table where we were trapped after several hours of BDS (Bush at the time, who we didn't really like much anyway) and much bashing Republicans, Conservatives, Rural rednecks etc. We told everyone that if they wanted to keep us as family they would stop insulting our views, and belittling us or we would never ever visit with them again.

Being the only not liberal, not urbanite not Dems in the family, I think they were amazed and were just parroting all the blue bubble talking points and laughing at the stupid conservatives, not even thinking that they were basically insulting us. We said, you have every right to believe what you like, hate whichever political figure that you like....you have NO right to personally insult us to our faces. If those comments are how you feel about US, then we are fucking gone.

Then drove the 7 hours back home.

So if we are ever to visit again, the few hours or days that we are together, there are plenty of other topics to discuss that won't cause arguments. We got an apology later, and we apologized for leaving as well. /rug sweep /new start

Since then, general visits and holidays have been very fun, pleasant and everyone (all of us) avoid politics like the plague. Tippy toe around the 800 pound gorilla in the room and we are able to get along great.; 11/22/17, 8:53 AM
Known Unknown said...: "This Thanksgiving I am thankful that I will not be at Thanksgiving at Chuck's."

I think we should adopt a policy of not mentioning another commenter until that commenter shows up in the thread.; 11/22/17, 8:54 AM
Laslo Spatula said...: Done.

I am Laslo.; 11/22/17, 9:01 AM
Dust Bunny Queen said...: @ Marcus

A code phrase is great. I like "pass the salt" for one at the table. We generally all start rambling on about the weather and that is a signal to change the subject. Even my father who is approaching 90 gets the hint.; 11/22/17, 9:06 AM
kevino said...: It's probably going to be another brutal Thanksgiving.

I'm a libertarian and an independent voter who didn't vote for either major party in 2016. Therefore, my family -- all democrats -- blame me for President Trump. Like all good "progressives" (can't call them liberals), they have placed a gag order on all political discussions by me and the Sen. Sanders supporters. But, of course, that doesn't stop them from inserting digs at Trump, Sanders, the GOP, or any issues.; 11/22/17, 9:07 AM
Bay Area Guy said...: @Pants,

Mmmmmmm. Can we come to your place for a Thanksgiving? Shoot, for all that delicious food, I would take a "no-politics" pledge for a month!; 11/22/17, 9:08 AM
Sprezzatura said...: "But, of course, that doesn't stop them from inserting digs at Trump, Sanders, the GOP, or any issues."

Since yur a 3rd party lib-ian, being anti-GOP/DJT/Socialist must be middle ground for all of y'all.; 11/22/17, 9:12 AM
MadisonMan said...: I've never understood arguing about politics. I mean, it's not like you are going to change people's minds in between the turkey and the stuffing.

If you don't know how your family feels about politics, after all, so much that you have to talk about something like politics, then you don't really know your family. Why are you getting together with strangers?; 11/22/17, 9:15 AM
Qwinn said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 11/22/17, 9:17 AM
Ken B said...: Missed a choice. "People in the media know nothing. Their morals are suspect, their honesty nil, their moral courage non-existent, and their opinions uninteresting. I don't care what some ignoramus thinks about being the only one to hold a position, but in general I will say I am never bothered to be standing alone."; 11/22/17, 9:19 AM
Original Mike said...: I am trying so hard to resist clicking on any click bait articles like "This Is What It's Like to Be the Only Trump Fan at Thanksgiving Dinner." How about you?"

Read the articles? Hell, I could write them.

I will keep my head down and enjoy the fantastic food. I'm more concerned about whether my brother is mad at me about football tickets. I did just get a birthday card from him, so maybe he's not mad.; 11/22/17, 9:19 AM
MadisonMan said...: We're having a smallish day tomorrow, just 5 or 6 people. One dyed-in-the-wool Democrat, another who is disappointed in Trump -- but who also really hated Hillary, and three cynics. Should be fun. If there's any talk about Politics, it will be to make fun of all of them, as it should be. Won't have all the kids at home, which is a bummer.

Politicians are not, after all, the way to solve problems. Politicians create problems, or vastly complicate simple problems.; 11/22/17, 9:21 AM
Bill said...: We've had a no politics/no religion rule at large family gatherings for as long as I can remember, and it works. Anyone who brings up Trump et al tomorrow can expect a blunt-force change of subject.; 11/22/17, 9:27 AM
Michael K said...: We are not having anyone for the first T giving in Tucson as home.

I have done before but not as permanent home.; 11/22/17, 9:47 AM
Fernandinande said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 11/22/17, 9:54 AM
Fernandinande said...: We're going to argue about lutefisk.

"A farmer told the butcher that he had skunks living under his front porch and wanted to get rid of them.

The butcher told him to buy five pounds of lutefisk and throw it under the porch, so that's what the farmer did.

The next morning the farmer looked under the porch and the skunks were gone, but two Norwegian families had moved in."; 11/22/17, 9:55 AM
Fernandinande said...: But lutefisk is no laughing matter - a food-fight would be Mutual Assured Destruction.; 11/22/17, 10:00 AM
whitney said...: I voted easy to resist and then looked at the results. I was surprised that is was so far in the majority opinion. I see the headlines and just think "anyone's that's reading this is the problem". I guess everyone else here feels the same; 11/22/17, 10:04 AM
pacwest said...: I'll be having dinner with Mom, who gets upset at the mention of Trump’s name, an uncle who's picture is in the dictionary under the word racist, an JFK Democrat aunt, an aunt and uncle who are reluctant Trump supporters, a sister who hates any politician, a brother in law who is rabid pro Trump, and a wife who could care less, knowing a good time will be had by all as we discuss life, family, and friends as we give thanks for all of the joys we have shared. It's not that hard.; 11/22/17, 10:07 AM
stevew said...: While my family's politics are not uniformly liberal or conservative, we all are committed to the notion of leaving such topics out of our gatherings, even the family members that are just so happy to publish their rants and pet peeves on facebook adhere to this unspoken rule.

Food, football, and the latest goings on of the folks in attendance are what we discuss. Thus Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.

-sw; 11/22/17, 10:11 AM
pacwest said...: "We're going to argue about lutefisk."

Mmmm. Nature's most perfect food when done right. But for Christmas, not Thanksgiving.; 11/22/17, 10:11 AM
Fernandinande said...: pacwest said...
"We're going to argue about lutefisk."
But for Christmas, not Thanksgiving.

See what I mean?; 11/22/17, 10:21 AM
MathMom said...: This thread takes me back to Thanksgiving in Flagstaff at Uncle Mutt and Aunt Colleen's house. I was probably early teens. Everyone talked about family memories around the table, and told stories of life on the farm in Nebraska during the depression and dust bowl. My granddaddy told about the time one of the cows he milked twice a day got spooked by something in the barn and jumped out the window. There were belly laughs around the table. I don't recall politics entering the discussion anywhere. There were So. Many. Other. Things. to talk about!

Uncle Mutt was an accomplished carpenter, who had built their house. He had power tools! He had a board with "Mutt and Jeff" routed into it, hung on the wall. I didn't know about the cartoon by that name, and learned that people referred to my uncle and aunt by that moniker. But the idea of routing my name in a board got a promise from him to teach me how, and after dinner, we all went out to the garage and got our names routed in pieces of board to take home. I was very surprised about how difficult it is to write my name with a router in a pine board, but he put his hands over each kid's hands and taught them how.

There was a dart board downstairs, and the thump thump thump of darts being thrown was a nice background to the general conviviality.

Uncle Mutt worked for the highway department and drove a snowplow. He took us to the equipment barn and showed us the snowplow, and let us climb up on it.

This is what Thanksgiving could be. Too bad it is landmine-strewn terrain these days.; 11/22/17, 10:22 AM
roesch/voltaire said...: Our family dinner will include talk that. ranges from food, to art, to politics but the only Trump member seems to be our dog Chibi who howls every time I read one of Trump tweets to her.; 11/22/17, 10:25 AM
Dust Bunny Queen said...: But lutefisk is no laughing matter - a food-fight would be Mutual Assured Destruction.

Irish People Try Surströmming

Perhaps if people insist on getting into political fights, just open up a big can Surströmming, if you don't have any Lutefisk? That will stop the arguing.; 11/22/17, 10:36 AM
Unknown said...: "Turkey with apple-sausage stuffing"

Deep fried turkey at my house.

Luckily the hard-core Liberals in my family live in deep-blue states and wouldn't be caught dead in Texas, even to join the rest of the family at my place.; 11/22/17, 10:56 AM
donald said...: Heh, not gonna be a problem with my peeps.; 11/22/17, 11:05 AM
wwww said...: In all of my Thanksgivings, I can't think of a single meal that we talked about politics.; 11/22/17, 11:15 AM
Sprezzatura said...: "Mmmm. Nature's most perfect food when done right."

You could be joking.

But, I have family members who like to eat multiple full plates (w/ some plate space for potatoes) of that stuff. Tiny gals eating mounds of that stuff!; 11/22/17, 11:22 AM
Guildofcannonballs said...: There is no relation relatively close to, Hell anywhere near, the importance of cheerleading your political team, and in fact it is only cowardness that allows for you to think otherwise.

You turds die the thousand-cuts death of a pansy, while I show people how stupid they are to think differently than myself. My burden, showing you idiots that you are, is never-ending and exhausting, but, being as wonderful as I am, I won't give you a break from letting you know how unreasonable and quasi-evil you were successfully indoctrinated to be.

All local politics is personally political, and state and national and international too, just bigger is all. This means if you don't make an ass of yourself, like I do, in the comission of forcing your views on everybody in the room, especially the elderly or under 18 age ranges and most-especially if previously unknown to you and sobbing, then you don't exist in a very real way.

THERE IS NO TRUTH THERE IS ONLY THE GRAND REPUBLICAN OLD PARTY ESQUIRED!!

Oh, and TENDERNESS LEADS TO THE GAS CHAMBER AND I DON'T MEAN ANAL SEX!!!; 11/22/17, 11:26 AM
Kathryn51 said...: I've enjoyed reading everyone's specific experiences far more than the requisite "How Do Deal with Your Racist, Homophobid, Sexist Great-Uncle Joe at this Year's Thanksgiving Dinner" articles.

This is our first Thanksgiving without my beloved father who passed away about two months ago - he was 97 years old and the last few years Thanksgiving has been two pronged - first at his assisted living facility with our small family (6) and then on to future daughter-in-law's big (30+) family gathering. At the large gathering, Grandpa Bob always comes up to us with a big smile because two more Republicans have arrived and he can have a decent conversation without yelling or snide comments. In past years, our son was the one and only comrade in arms.

Two years ago (2015) , everyone was quite talkative - they were sure that Trump was a joke, they were mildly interested in the rest of the GOP field and the major split was between the Hillary fan club and Sanders cultists.

Last year (2016) was miserable - frigid cordiality (except for Grandpa Bob) was the rule. They were all in mourning.

This year should be fun - son/girlfriend are engaged and wedding plans are topic of the day.; 11/22/17, 11:37 AM
MathMom said...: Kathryn51,

My condolences on the loss of your father. Mine died 24 years ago yesterday. It was a sad Thanksgiving that year.; 11/22/17, 11:43 AM
Earnest Prole said...: Our extended family will gather again in the golden hills of Northern California, three generations and thirty people, with politics ranging from religious conservatives and passionate Trump supporters to garden-variety lib-lefties and anarcho-socialists. Somehow in thirty years we've never had an emotional disagreement over politics, probably because politics is not one-tenth as important as giving thanks for beautiful children.; 11/22/17, 11:48 AM
Pettifogger said...: In my family, a lefty, if any, would be the odd man out.; 11/22/17, 11:49 AM
C R Krieger said...: I have already been told to not talk Politics with the Democrats who will be coming to visit us. I can't even support Michael, the one non-Democrat amongst the guests. But, if we get some more judges and some more bureaucrat rules (vice laws) rolled back and the President's new approach to NE Asia keeps the peace, I am happy. Moving the Embassy to Jerusalem would just be frosting on the cake.

Regards — Cliff; 11/22/17, 11:50 AM
Wilbur said...: MadisonMan said...
I've never understood arguing about politics.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
To the leftist, there is one thought or impulse which is always present, even if tacit: ALL POLITICS IS PERSONAL. They cannot conceive that anyone else would have a rational, reasonable thought different from theirs, so they have no hesitation or compunction in informing the world how virtuous they and their thoughts are.

Everything is about politics to them. Everything.; 11/22/17, 11:51 AM
buwaya said...: You OK Laslo?; 11/22/17, 12:22 PM
rehajm said...: During the Obama administration the articles were about the best liberal talking points to win over all the relatives. If all that’s left is one Trump supporter they were a smashing success!!; 11/22/17, 12:44 PM
tcrosse said...: During the Obama administration the articles were about the best liberal talking points to win over all the relatives.

The assumption was that if only they heard the Truth they would immediately See the Light. This is the Missionary Position.; 11/22/17, 1:09 PM
Sebastian said...: Headlines you'll never (?) see: "This Is What It's Like to Be the Only Hillary Fan at Thanksgiving Dinner."

Two threads in this thread: families work it out and have a good time, or progs argue, yell and condescend. The missing third: cons making life miserable for progs at family events. I invite you to think deeply about that.; 11/22/17, 1:18 PM
Robert said...: It means you are the designated driver.

Robert; 11/22/17, 1:48 PM
Inga...Allie Oop said...: We’re gathering at my daughter's home. The table will be filled with conservatives and liberals like in about a 50/50 percentage. Politics always comes up, but no one ever leaves the discussion and the day angry and hugs are still given freely and sincerely, when the goodbyes are said. Love trumps Trump. My son in law and my niece surprised the heck out of me recently telling me in no uncertain terms that they thought Trump was a moron. Both are conservative.

I’ve baked three boules of bread already, one rosemary olive oil parmesan, one butternut squash and one cheddar and roasted garlic. The only thing my family fights over is who gets to take home the leftover bread.; 11/22/17, 2:10 PM
FullMoon said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 11/22/17, 2:12 PM
Inga...Allie Oop said...: “To the leftist, there is one thought or impulse which is always present, even if tacit: ALL POLITICS IS PERSONAL. They cannot conceive that anyone else would have a rational, reasonable thought different from theirs, so they have no hesitation or compunction in informing the world how virtuous they and their thoughts are.

Everything is about politics to them. Everything.”

How interesting to read about how all liberals supposedly feel.; 11/22/17, 2:14 PM
Inga...Allie Oop said...: “My family dinner of 18 people gonna include one daughter's black fiance, reformed gangster grandson,granddaughters boyfriend from a rival gang, bi-polar crazy daughter, lez granddaughter and her girlfriend/boyfriend, which is really confusing because if she wanted a boyfriend, why didn't she go with a born that way boy?”

What the heck did you do to mess up your kids that badly? By being yourself?; 11/22/17, 2:18 PM
tim in vermont said...: I quit Facebook over all of my liberal relative's constant squealing about Trump. I wouldn't mind it so much if it were better informed, we could talk, but they are just ignorant, but "Just know." Try to ask a question about something that they say, they get indignant. I wish I knew liberals who were open to discussion, but I have never met one.; 11/22/17, 2:22 PM
Martin said...: This is SOOOOO November 2016.; 11/22/17, 2:24 PM
Jim at said...: If you don't know how your family feels about politics...
.... chances are they're conservatives and never feel the need to bring up politics.; 11/22/17, 2:25 PM
FullMoon said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 11/22/17, 2:26 PM
Inga...Allie Oop said...: “And every one of them better than you.
Dinner also includes daughter police dispatcher of the tear , daughter private school teacher of the year, two electrical engineers, union drywall apprentice,landscaping company owner, chef, medical equipment customer service, mechanical engineer and, of course, best of all, me.”

LOL! Don’t like getting a dose of your own medicine I see!; 11/22/17, 2:29 PM
FullMoon said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 11/22/17, 2:41 PM
Drago said...: “My family dinner of 18 people gonna include one daughter's black fiance, reformed gangster grandson,granddaughters boyfriend from a rival gang, bi-polar crazy daughter, lez granddaughter and her girlfriend/boyfriend, which is really confusing because if she wanted a boyfriend, why didn't she go with a born that way boy?”

Inga (letting the mask down): "What the heck did you do to mess up your kids that badly? By being yourself?"

Wow. A lesbian granddaughter and the above is what Inga posted.

Perhaps some "re-education" is in order for Inga.; 11/22/17, 2:48 PM
FullMoon said...: This comment has been removed by the author.; 11/22/17, 2:51 PM
Inga...Allie Oop said...: “Is that what bothered her? I figured it was my black future son-in-law.”

None of your family members bothered me in the least Moonie, I’m sure they’re lovely people. I bet they understand humor better than their daddy. As for your bad behavior, maybe you save it all for online interactions! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.; 11/22/17, 3:10 PM
Qwinn said...: I do sorely miss some of the people I've lost in my life due to incompatible political beliefs. Think about some of them every day. But, they never, ever want to hear about my beliefs, even when it informs my position on really important things. I think it's because they believe that -my- beliefs are nothing but judgment. It *is* full of judgment, but not for them - it is outrage at those who have lied to the people I loved, and convinced them of so much that just isn't so.

Even if they are the things I care most about when it comes to those people - to all people - including myself. But it's heart rending knowing that I'm probably the last generation (Gen-X) where leftist propaganda didn't completely overwhelm the entire media-industrial complex. In the 80's you knew the bias was there, but the news was only on like 2 hours a day max on TV. 24 hour news has overwhelmed the culture, and made it terribly malleable to the Left.

Anyway, I have a great life, and I wish I could share it with many of the people I miss that I spoke of. But, whenever politics come up at all, they start out with saying things I simply can't abide. Praise for Marxism/Communism IS where I draw the line, because it really is responsible for everything that's going on. Gramsci's Long March Through the Institutions had all but won. And that's why you got Trump.

That so many things they feel with a deep sense of outrage are based on propaganda and lies, that so many of their beliefs are manipulated and rigidly controlled by social media, because they don't want to know better, because to do so would instantly make them outcasts in their own tribes. Tribes that, by their very racist and sexist natures, I can't be a part of, and if I try, it is only regarded as proof that I'm the problem.; 11/22/17, 5:48 PM
wildswan said...: We used to have interesting political discussions but that's over. Now it's a matter of finding interesting topics that have no relevance. Strangely enough the Civil War, in which members of my family fought, is such a topic. One of my relatives was in the 19th Massachusetts, the regiment which, along with the 45th New York, closed the gap in the Union line which was made by Pickett's charge at Gettysburg. One another was shot at Fredericksburg when the 19th Massachusetts crossed the river under fire. These two men were Irish-Americans in the Irish company of a regiment led by a Colonel who was a Know Nothing. History isn't taught in the schools anymore so all the stories connected with the battles fought by these relatives is new to a lot of family members. And, for whatever reason, many now find the Civil War interesting. Information about the secession arguments is also OK. The Knights of the Golden Circle who wanted California, New Mexico and Arizona to secede is another interesting story. But basically the members of the family are drifting further and further apart while hoping for some change to reverse it all. One side believes the mainstream media and thinks reading it makes them smart - that is the difference.; 11/22/17, 7:28 PM
Drago said...: Earlier Inga: "What the heck did you do to mess up your kids that badly? By being yourself?"\
11/22/17, 2:18 PM

Later Inga: "None of your family members bothered me in the least Moonie, I’m sure they’re lovely people"
11/22/17, 3:10 PM

History begins anew for Inga about every hour on the hour.

LOL; 11/22/17, 8:24 PM