I'm personally of the opinion that if you can't talk nice -- and often, people talking politics can't -- then you should talk about the weather.

Unless, of course, the problem was sparked by said weather...

My most conservative family members are all Canadian, and not in Alberta. Even my pro-life and very churchy cousin comes across as liberal compared to the US right, and my parents and in-laws are about as blue as blue gets. I'm so glad I never have to deal with the left/right split at the dinner table.

In fact, the worst political thing I have to deal with is filtering out an insane amount of West Wing talk from the in-law side. If I never hear, "It's like they say on the West Wing..." when talking about actual politics ever again, it will be too soon.

If I never hear, "It's like they say on the West Wing..." when talking about actual politics ever again, it will be too soon.

Of course, if we could get two thoughtful Supreme Court Judges now like they did on the West Wing...

Oh, god, that White House Press Briefing link is comedy gold.

Especially this:

Does anyone in this administration know anyone that's down there --

MR. McCLELLAN: Well, I think you need to talk to people on the ground --

Q -- beyond Trent Lott?

Heee!

Keith Olberman just named Geraldo Rivera the "Worst Person in the World" for the second take thing with the old lady and her dog.

My keyboard is having major spelling problems right now. What's up with that?

I actually like the fact that my aunt is a not very political Republican, because it means we don't talk about politics at extended family gatherings. Certain members of my family have rage issues, so when it's all Dems and people really get going, it just gives me a headache, frankly.

I am fucked up because I frequently use "The Wire" and not TWW to make my political points with.(Even though the President being English-speaking means I enjoy TWW more now.) And I do feel like I learn stuff, but whether I could ever apply that note for note is pretty debatable, like the laws on L&O. Stringer Bell might have handled this better than our POTUS. Seriously. Some people do say that the Wire season 3 is analogous to Iraq, but I can't because I suck at analysis, and I'd wind up talking only to Corwood, Gus, and LisaH and boring everyone else

All of my family is on the far left side of the political spectrum, excepting my brother, a nephew, and brother's FIL. At least I can joke with nephew and the FIL. I see brother's FIL about once a year. I ask him if he is still a wrong headed Republican before I hug him. Declare my disappointment and hug him anyway. He loves a good debate and never gets personal or insulting about politics. He'll pour the Sambuca and debate anything you want forever. We end up agreeing to disagree and not mad at each other.

With my brother I have to avoid all political conversations. This is so odd to me. My brother ran away when he was a young teen to protest the war in Vietnam. He still sports shoulder length hair and peace sign tattoos. Loves Bush. Listens to FoxNews all the time. Even has it on the radio. Has a long list of reasons why we need to be in Iraq and why war was required. Thinks he is a fine compassionate human who is doing everything he can for the hurricane victims. My sisters and mother just want to kidnap him and cleanse his mind somehow.

The only non-liberal in my family is a Larouchie, and she's not so much conservative as batshit crazy. (Which, honestly, is more difficult. At least with a Bush-supporter, I could discuss things like books and movies and TV, but the Larouche cult has an official line on everything.)

but the Larouche cult has an official line on everything.

Which way do they face the toilet paper roll in the dispenser?

I keep seeing diamond peace symbols in jewelry-store windows. I can't figure out if it's a general-purpose '60s revival (can the E for Ecology symbol be far behind?) or an actual political statement.

I have a red, white, and blue peace symbol on my car. It says "Peace is Patriotic", and yes, it's a political statement.