A.G. Gancarski
After a Florida election with three statewide recounts, the rhetoric finally started to cool down around the time our kitchen ovens started to warm up this year.
Recently released research from the 2016 cycle suggests that, at least for those who want to have civil get-togethers this Turkey Day, the pitched drama of the 2018 elections should be off the table.
A research study from Science magazine suggests that, based on 2016 data, dinner companions who couldn’t agree on who to vote for could agree on shortening meals.
And the time shaved added up to second helpings and a dessert course: a 50-minute truncation, largely concentrated among travelers from markets that went heavy on pre-Election Day advertising.
Whereas in 2016, the fight was “I’m With Her” versus “Make America Great Again,” the 2018 disagreements are likely about candidates closer to home.
With that in mind, some advice.
Democrats: Avoid grousing about “Red Tide Rick” when passing the cranberry sauce to your GOP grandparents. Especially if you’re visiting them at The Villages and want any shot at a post-victuals golf cart ride.
Republicans: Though it may be tempting to do so, avoid snarky comments about “bringing it home” or references to Hamilton tickets when needling younger relatives who may have been working on one defeated campaign or another.
After all, you’re going to need them soon enough. Dishes have to be done.
Keep politics off the table this year. Unless your strategy is to clear the room and get seconds on sweet potato pie. Republican, Democrat, or Independent: That’s a strategy we all can endorse.
