Americans Prioritize Family and Friends Over Politics This Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving, Americans are expressing their gratitude primarily for family and friends, according to a recent CBS News/YouGov survey. In fact, a strong majority of respondents plan to sidestep political conversations at the dinner table, reflecting a broader trend of prioritizing personal relationships over divisive topics. Following family and friends, respondents indicated that they are also particularly thankful for their health and freedom, while political issues ranked much lower on their list of things for which they feel grateful.

The survey notes a slight difference in openness to political discussions based on party lines. Trump supporters and Republicans appear somewhat more willing to engage in political dialogue compared to those who support Kamala Harris and Democrats. However, the overall sentiment remains that most Americans would prefer to focus on enjoying the company of loved ones rather than getting into potentially contentious political debates.

When it comes to their Thanksgiving plans, many people report that they will be spending time with others who share similar political beliefs, which may facilitate more political conversations. Yet, for those who find themselves among mixed political affiliations, the desire to avoid arguments may prevail. Interestingly, only about 10% of participants indicated that they have altered their holiday plans to evade gathering with individuals who voted for a different presidential candidate. This highlights that despite significant political differences, the shared appreciation for friends and family remains a common thread among Americans, regardless of their political affiliations.