How to discuss politics during Thanksgiving dinner? Tips from TV’s ‘Breaking Bread’ host
Are you worried about political discussions during Thanksgiving? TV host Alexander Heffner, who focuses on food and politics, understands this concern. He has shared meals with Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski in Alaska and Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock in Georgia, analyzing different policies.
As Thanksgiving approaches, Heffner, 35, who hosts “Breaking Bread with Alexander” on Bloomberg TV and “The Open Mind” on PBS, is likely to discuss the current state of the nation while serving gravy. Here are some of his suggestions for smoothly navigating the conversation without any food flying across the table.
Question: You engage in serious discussions over meals in your work. What’s the best way to bring up politics at Thanksgiving?
Heffner: The key is to maintain civility, which means truly listening even if you disagree. It should not be an issue to discuss who you voted for and your reasons behind it with family members.
Make it personal: Ask how the election has affected them or how they hope the new government will assist them. Both Democrats and Republicans aim for a representative government, with most disagreements being about how to tackle issues rather than the issues themselves. Your “crazy uncle” likely cares about clean water and air just as much as you do. Plus, few things bring harmony like food and music.
How can you find a balance in the conversation, and when should you change the topic?
First, ensure everyone is satisfied with a delicious meal, stocked with their favorite sides (whether they prefer sweet potatoes with or without marshmallows, or stuffing inside and outside the turkey), and that nobody is left hanging for hours for the main dishes.
An elementary school librarian once advised me: “Stay cool, calm, and collected.” This encouragement echoes the ability of Americans to reset their perspectives after elections and look forward positively. Approach this with that mindset and you may surprise yourself with the outcomes.
Former Speaker of the House, Tip O’Neill, a Democrat, famously said, “All politics is local.” He lived this belief even while working with Republican President Reagan. Truly loving your neighbors and being responsible for your family starts at home.
What’s the most memorable political conversation you’ve had that felt similar to a Thanksgiving dinner discussion? How did it start, what was discussed, and how did it conclude?
I’ve experienced this in various interviews throughout the series. It’s tough to select the standout moment. Perhaps when Senator (soon to be Majority Leader John) Thune of South Dakota began by talking about basketball and his father’s WWII service, leading into a deeper understanding of the GOP’s shift towards isolationism and getting him to reflect on the sacrifices made by the volunteer military post-Vietnam.
Anytime you can get a politician to pause and discuss how to reduce the negativity in politics, as Thune did, it’s a rare achievement. I noted how it frequently feels like Democratic and Republican leaders inhabit separate worlds during C-SPAN broadcasts. However, Thune suggested that serving fresh pizzas and ice cream on the Senate floor might foster happier compromises.
Can Thanksgiving also serve as a time for healing or realization?
Absolutely. In my discussions with New Jersey Senator Cory Booker and North Dakota Governor Doug (who will soon be the Interior Secretary) Burgum, our conversations often turned emotional, leading to tears, as the sincerity of the dialogues fostered genuine empathy and openness.
Sen. Booker spoke about a mother grieving her son due to gun violence in her neighborhood, while Burgum shared experiences about the longstanding family connections tied to his grandfather’s grain elevator.
As Thanksgiving approaches, and if you find yourself relaxing with some pumpkin pie and perhaps a drink or two, there’s plenty of opportunities for honest conversations. If I can do it with elected officials, surely we can do the same with our loved ones. It just requires a little patience and thoughtfulness.
What are some other good topics to discuss during Thanksgiving dinner?
Kids! Sports, especially football! New Netflix shows! American history! Anything goes!
Who would you choose if you could share a meal with four current politicians?
I would love to dine with Harris, Walz, Trump, and Vance. I think it would be fascinating to have a meal with the two presidential candidates once the election frenzy has settled down.
Why these choices?
Gathering these figures could symbolize unity in our nation and demonstrate their willingness to reset and collaborate. Campaigns often revolve around personal ambitions and partisanship, but true governance should focus on finding mutual ground and creating effective policies for the public.
I would also love to include four of my past guests from “Breaking Bread” who share this vision—Senators Murkowski, Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Shelly Capito (R-W. Va.), and Booker. Together, I believe we could enjoy a delightful meal while fostering greater legislative collaboration and bipartisan solutions.
