What to do if your crazy right-wing uncle comes for Thanksgiving [View all]

[Liberal_in_LA]

In that vein, I say: Progressives, engage your conservative family members. Tell them you accept their apology for endlessly pounding the drum of Benghazi when even the Republican House now admits that there was nothing scandalous there. Reassure them that the president is wholly within his authority to defer deportations on 5 million undocumented immigrants -- but encourage them to demonstrate really loudly against this executive action so that Democrats can win the Latino vote for a generation.

http://www.latimes.com/opinion/opinion-la/la-ol-thanksgiving-dinner-family-political-debate-20141124-story.html

And conservatives, please, challenge your lefty family members. Boast proudly of your well-fought electoral victories this fall. Point out how, despite all its populist propaganda, the White House has still managed to deliver only full economic recovery for the country’s wealthiest, while everyone else struggles. Embarrass the liberals with jokes about the administration’s screw-ups on Obamacare, Iraq and the Veterans Administration. Encourage them to keep overreaching so that your party can take the White House in 2016.

Whatever side you’re on, remember that if you’re sitting one on one with someone you disagree with, your goal is to learn more about their point of view -- but if you’ve got other people watching the debate, your goal is to win over people who haven't made up their minds or who have less strong opinions.