I'm sorry you are having a hard time, pachyderm. I also find politics extremely triggering and have to be careful with my exposure to it all.

The talking points and rote answers are so upsetting to me because it seems like a lot of politicians treat the debates like they are clever word games. They seem to forget that they are playing those games with the lives of millions of people and they don't give the issues the thought and care that they deserve. When I was in school (I say like I am a million years old), we had to bring facts and sources to our debates, not just rhetoric.

Sorry to go on a rant there, but I just wanted to tell you that I hope you feel better soon. Maybe it would be safer to read a text version of the debates if you want to keep up on the news. That way you don't have to look at their smug faces.