November 18, 2022
Thanksgiving 2022
Marist National Poll
Majority of Americans Expect to Talk Politics at Thanksgiving
Please, pass the politics. A majority of Americans who celebrate Thanksgiving think there is a good chance that politics will be discussed at Thanksgiving dinner. However, not everyone is happy about it. While a plurality looks forward to the discussion, more than four in ten dread it. And, ready or not! Thanksgiving weekend marks the start of the holiday shopping season, but more than two in three Americans do not plan to make any holiday purchases during that time.
A majority of Americans who celebrate Thanksgiving say that it is either very likely (32%) or likely (24%) that politics will come up at their Thanksgiving dinner this year. More than four in ten say that it is not very likely (21%) or not likely at all (21%).
Regardless of party affiliation, a majority of Americans who celebrate Thanksgiving say it is, at least, likely that politics will be discussed. Men (60%) are more likely than women (52%) to say there is, at least, a chance the discussion will turn to politics.
A plurality of Americans who celebrate Thanksgiving (47%) say they are eager to talk about politics over Thanksgiving dinner. 42% dread the conversation. Republicans (54%) are slightly more eager to talk about politics than Democrats (48%) and independents (47%). A majority of men (55%) say they look forward to the discussion while 50% of women aren’t so eager to have that conversation.
67% of Americans say they do not plan to do any holiday shopping during Thanksgiving weekend. 30% report they do plan to do so.
58% of Americans who plan to shop during Thanksgiving weekend plan to do so online while 38% will shop mostly in stores.
"Well, finally something a majority of Democrats and Republicans can agree on," says Lee M. Miringoff, Director of the Marist College Institute for Public Opinion. "Both expect Thanksgiving dinner conversation will turn to politics. But don’t be surprised if the topic scatters guests. A notable number of Americans are not looking forward to it."