Arizona neighbors use Thanksgiving to teach political unity: "We must progress together"

A lively dispute was taking place on a Phoenix street corner recently, with neighbors displaying lawn signs, flags, and banners supporting different presidential candidates in the contentious state.

Rob Banovich, a Trump supporter, put out a few flags and thought he needed to get a few more, as his neighbor, Rob Anderson, supported Vice President Kamala Harris, according to FOX 10 Phoenix.

For years, the "Battle of the Robs" has been a lighthearted tradition, starting when Banovich moved into the neighborhood in 2016. Their friendly rivalry escalated, reaching new heights during the 2024 campaign.

The goal? To spark conversations and encourage open dialogue in the community.

Banovich stated that they won't let the current environment push a wedge between them.

Both Robs agreed that their displays were intended to eliminate the shame associated with publicly supporting a candidate, regardless of political affiliation.

This holiday season, the Robs are demonstrating that their friendship is more powerful than politics by spending Thanksgiving together. They hope their message of unity will inspire Americans.

"Within 10 days, we cleaned up everything we had removed from the yard," Banovich said on "Fox & Friends" Wednesday.

"Anderson stated that he removed his signs the day after the election. While taking down the signs, he received positive feedback from neighbors, with both Trump and Harris supporters appreciating their friendly competition."

"I believe it was a great display of calmness and cooperation in the community, reminiscent of the past," Banovich stated. "Our vote does not determine our character - it's simply who we believe is the best candidate at the moment. I've received more greetings, hugs, and handshakes recently than I have in the past three or four years."

During the holiday season, political discussions are likely to occur at the dinner table.

A mental health expert advised MSNBC viewers to cut ties with relatives who voted for Trump after Harris' defeat earlier this month.

If you find yourself in a situation where your family members or close friends have voted against you, it is perfectly acceptable to avoid them and explain your reasons, according to Yale University chief psychiatry resident Dr. Amanda Calhoun, who shared this advice on MSNBC.

Anderson hopes their story inspires others to prioritize relationships over politics.

Let's move forward and be positive while supporting the incoming candidate, he said.

Although the Robs may have differing political views, they are in agreement on one matter: it's time to change direction.

Soon, Christmas decorations will be hung up, according to Banovich, who smiled as he spoke.

Anderson joked that it would be a Christmas battle between the Robs.