Thanksgiving is a time for family gatherings, turkey, and a sprinkle of political banter. This year, an unexpected voice from the left, MSNBC host Joy Reid, ignited some controversy with her not-so-friendly Thanksgiving message aimed at MAGA supporters. Her remarks suggested that those who supported former President Trump should “make their own sandwiches” and stay away from what she characterized as “trolling.” Some may find it amusing that someone named Joy seems to have trouble finding joy in Thanksgiving.
While Reid’s words stirred the pot, many on the right took a different approach to the holiday. Across the country, families were celebrating Thanksgiving in a spirit of fun and camaraderie, with some even breaking into a Trump dance, inspired by comedian Terrance Williams. Williams, a strong advocate for Trump, found it hard to contain his excitement, reminiscing about the fierce battle to get Trump elected and expressing joy over the gathering of supporters during the holiday season. It seems many were feeling jubilant, despite Reid’s attempt to rain on their parade.
In the world of social media and news, the clash between the right and the left often intensifies around the holidays. Joy Reid’s comments reflected a deep-seated divide in American politics. Many took her message as an affront to their holiday cheer, as if to suggest that one should not celebrate if they don’t align with a specific political viewpoint. This sentiment struck a chord with conservative audiences, who viewed it as a typical example of how the left often struggles to embrace the values of Thanksgiving—a quintessentially American holiday.
Meanwhile, humor and optimism shone bright among Trump’s supporters. Williams emphasized that while the left critiques them, they remain steadfast in their gratitude. Echoing this sentiment, many conservatives expressed thankfulness for their country and for the political victories they felt they achieved with Trump’s presidency. For many, gratitude extended beyond politics to encompass fundamental aspects of life, reminding viewers that Thanksgiving is a time to appreciate what one has—be it health, family, or the opportunity to express one’s political beliefs freely.
So as the turkey was carved and the pies were served, the conversation was as lively as the dinner table itself. For many conservatives, Thanksgiving provided a chance to celebrate resilience against the backdrop of a political landscape that often feels contentious. With a wink and a nod to those from the other side, they raised their glasses and cheered for the things that mattered most to them. If the left found it difficult to enjoy the season, perhaps they just needed to embrace a little more gratitude and a lot less snark. After all, why not choose to enjoy life, eat some great food, and keep spreading that good old American cheer?