Just a few weeks ago, a playful fight was raging on a street corner. Phoenix, Arizona. Lawn signs, flags and banners adorn two neighbors’ yards, each supporting a different presidential candidate in the battleground.
“Rob put up some flags, and I was like, OK, I think I’ll get a couple more,” said Trump supporter Rob Banovich. told FOX 10 Phoenix, Referring to his neighbor Rob Anderson, who supported Vice President Kamala Harris.
The aptly named “Battle of the Robes” has been a light-hearted tradition for years, starting when Banovich moved into the neighborhood in 2016. Over time, their friendly rivalry grew, reaching new heights during the 2024 campaign.
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The purpose? To stimulate communication and encourage open dialogue in the community.
“Today’s environment, they’re trying. Drive that wedge between usand we’re not going to let that happen,” Banovich said.
Both Robes agreed that their display was intended to remove the stigma of openly supporting a candidate regardless of political affiliation.
Now that Election Day has passed, the Robbs are proving their friendship is stronger than politics and spending Thanksgiving together — a message they hope resonates with Americans this holiday season. will rise
“We both got everything out of the yard…within 10 days we had everything cleaned up,” Banovich said.Fox and Friends“Wednesday.
“I quit my job the day after the election,” Anderson added. “When I was taking the signs down, I was getting a lot of feedback from all the neighbors. Everyone had positive comments, both Trump supporters and Harris supporters … that they appreciated our friendly competition.”
“I think it was a good demonstration of being peaceful and helpful and civilized in the neighborhood, like it used to be,” Banovich said. “Our vote doesn’t define a person – it’s just who we think is the best candidate at the moment. I’ve gotten more handshakes, hugs and hellos of late than I have in the last three or four years.”
As the holiday season gets into full swing, the chances of a political discussion at the dinner table are high.
After Harris’ defeat earlier this month, a prominent mental health expert told MSNBC viewers That they feel justified in severing ties with relatives who voted for Trump.
Family is hands on at the Thanksgiving dinner table. (iStock)
“So, if you’re going to be in a situation where you have family members, where you have close friends who you know voted against you … don’t be around those people and tell them that Why,” Dr. Amanda Calhoun, chief psychiatry resident at Yale University, told MSNBC host Joy Reid.
However, Anderson hopes her story inspires others to prioritize relationships over politics.
“We just have to move forward,” he said. Let’s just be positive and support the incoming candidate.
Although the Robs may not agree on politics, they do agree on one thing: It’s time to switch gears.
“It’s a little early, but the Christmas decorations will be up soon,” Banovich said with a smile.
“It’ll be Battle of the Robes: Christmas Edition,” Anderson joked.
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