Being polite in politics can be a struggle, as Sen. Bernie Sanders demonstrated in a recent town hall. You have to choose your words carefully (Sanders called Donald Trump a “pathological liar”), stay positive (Sanders said he gives “Trump his due”), and stay open minded (“Before I vote against them, I want to hear what they have to say,” Sanders said of Trump’s cabinet picks).

If all else fails, state your intentions:”All that I am doing here is trying to be polite.”