Talking Politics at Thanksgiving? CivicScience Data Shows Who’s Most Likely to Do It

by CivicScience | Nov 20, 2025 | Food & Beverage, Holidays, Human Interest, Media & Entertainment, Politics, Uncategorized

Are you planning to talk about politics at Thanksgiving?

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Thanksgiving is a time to gather with friends and family, enjoy good food, and unwind, but it doesn’t always come without its awkward moments. One of the biggest tension points? Politics at the dinner table. And this year, more Americans say they’re planning to go there. According to new CivicScience data, nearly 19% of U.S. adults celebrating Thanksgiving say they’re likely to talk about politics at Thanksgiving, up from 16% last year. Another quarter says they ‘maybe,’ while a majority (56%) don’t plan on discussing them at all. Intent is highest among adults under 45, although those 65+ lead in the ‘maybe’ category. Men are nearly twice as likely as women to say they’ll talk politics (24% vs. 13%). Adults earning over $100K are also slightly more likely to say they’ll discuss politics, and Republicans lead with the highest intent at 26% (compared to 19% of Democrats and 13% of independents). But demographics aren’t the only thing that sets Thanksgiving political talkers apart. Swipe to see key differences.

What is their favorite Thanksgiving side dish?

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When it comes to Thanksgiving food, those planning to talk about politics have different preferences. Political talkers are nearly twice as likely to say their favorite side dish is mac and cheese – a fan favorite among Gen Z. They also over-index in choosing sweet potatoes as their favorite side, but are less likely than non-talkers to say mashed potatoes top their list.

Who's most stressed during the winter holidays?

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Political talkers also have distinctly different feelings about the holiday season overall. They’re far more likely to believe the winter holidays in general have become too commercialized and stressful. Half strongly agree and 23% somewhat agree. Similarly, 50% say they experience ‘a lot’ more stress during the holidays, significantly outpacing those not talking about politics at the dinner table, who report lower stress levels.

Who's more optimistic about the economy?

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Their economic outlook also differs. Those who plan to discuss politics at Thanksgiving are the most likely to believe the U.S. economy will improve in the next six months, outpacing those who do not plan to discuss politics. Around 30% believe the economy will stay the same, and 32% think it will get worse.

How are they preparing their Thanksgiving meals?

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Thanksgiving meal prep habits also reveal a divide. Those who expect to talk politics are six points more likely to say they’re preparing the entire meal from scratch and eight points more likely to say they’re buying a fully pre-made meal – indicating a stronger leaning toward both ends of the convenience spectrum. Non-talkers, on the other hand, report a much more balanced mix of scratch-made and store-bought dishes. CivicScience data also show that political talkers are more likely to buy plant-based meat this year, further distinguishing their holiday meal choices from those who prefer to keep politics off the table.

Image Credit: Karolina Grabowska via Unsplash+

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