The problem with most all Dems/liberals/progressives is that they lack objectivity, and most are not the least bit informed on the issues. Most can only deal in simple-minded little sound bites that feel relevant but aren't. If you have a Democrat family member who's objective, you can discuss politics civilly, and perhaps even change his/her mind IF you yourself are informed on the issues. Civility cannot be maintained with Democrat family members who are not objective and are not well informed on the issues. They'll simply feel stupid, and you'll become irritated with their lack of logical thinking. It can become personal, not good.
I have nobody left from my childhood family. My mother was a dedicated Democrat, she grew up loving FDR and in later life was a strong supporter of WV Senator Rockefeller Mom's strong point, however, was her willingness to discuss issues with an objective mind. In her final 15 years of life she voted Republican.
My sister was a different story. She took no interest in politics until she was in her late forties. At that time she began working for a Democrat-leaning law firm in DC, and in her fifties she worked as a personal assistant to one of the most powerful Democrat lobbyists in DC. She had photos of herself with Hillary Clinton, Barbara Streisand, and Martin Sheen prominently displayed in her home, and frequently received phone calls from Democrat bigwigs. She was a social whirlwind, but she knew virtually nothing about the issues other than the Democrat talking points. Civil discussions of politics between us weren't possible. Luckily, we had strong family bonds and loved one another. We simply avoided ALL discussion of politics.
Thank God for my sons, both of whom are conservative when it comes to most issues. They're informed on the issues and have objective and logical minds.
Carefully choose those family members with whom to discuss politics, and those with whom you should avoid the subject. An old man's advise based on experience.
