So, it’s getting close to Thanksgiving. I must now prepare myself for the unavoidable drama that comes from my entire family uniting for one meal and then attempting to discuss politics in a civil manner. Simply put, this desired civility cannot, and will not, happen.

Before I discuss what is likely to happen, though, I should say that I am filled more with anticipation than with dread. In fact, I am downright giddy at the prospect of this chaotic meeting of the minds. Yes, I love arguing with my family. There - I said it.

With a presidential election only a year away, this Thanksgiving promises to be especially heated. One of the big issues will be how willing certain members of my family are to compromise their political, moral and religious beliefs during the next year.

I know this is going to be an issue because we’re already hearing how the apparent frontrunners of both parties have at times resembled the opposition party. For example, the top Republican candidate, Rudy Giuliani, seems to have more in common with certain Democrats than with the GOP.

Much of my family is religious and conservative, so they will need to decide whether or not they are willing to sacrifice their beliefs to ensure a victory for their side. Will they choose someone who doesn’t necessarily fit the bill of what a Republican ought to look like, merely for the sake of preventing the other side from winning?

On the other side, certain family members are apparently destined to vote for Hillary Clinton, should she win her party’s nomination. This is in spite of her rather hawkish behavior of late regarding Iran and her inability to guarantee a full troop withdrawal from Iraq during her tenure. On this matter, my left-leaning family members will have to admit, she has yet to distinguish herself from Republicans.

So this is why I am especially excited about the forthcoming holiday debate: not only will we have to defend our particular candidate, but some of us will also have to explain why we are willing to compromise our personal beliefs to get what we want. When it comes to turkey, I tend to slightly overdo it.

When it comes to the tension that stems from passionate people disagreeing with others and with themselves, I am nothing less than a glutton.

Posted by Louise.

Louise also writes for Creative And Unique Gift Ideas.