In a plot twist worthy of a Netflix drama, Democrats and Republicans in Montgomery County, Ohio, have done the unthinkable: they agreed on something. No, not on tax reform or climate change—don’t be ridiculous. They agreed on peanut butter and socks.

This past Sunday, in the spirit of the holidays and the looming government shutdown (because nothing says “season’s greetings” like political gridlock), Representative Phil Plummer, chair of the Montgomery County Republican Party, challenged his Democratic counterpart, Mohamed Al-Hamdani, to a friendly competition. The goal? Collect as much food and warm clothing as possible for those facing homelessness and food insecurity.

“Let’s do something good at parties,” Plummer said, which is the most Ohio way to say, “Let’s stop yelling and start donating.”

🎯 The Rules of Engagement: Soup, Socks, and Civility

Each party accepted donations of warm clothing—coats, hats, gloves, socks—and non-perishable food items like canned soup and peanut butter. Democrats donated to the House of Bread, while Republicans supported the Dayton Dream Center. No word yet on whether bipartisan chili was served.

Al-Hamdani responded with the kind of optimism usually reserved for TED Talks: “I thought it was an amazing idea. When it’s all said and done, we can all work together to help members of our own community.”

Translation: “We’ll stop throwing shade if you bring soup.”

🧤 Political Fashion: Winter Edition

Forget red ties and blue blazers—this season’s hottest bipartisan accessory is a pair of thermal socks. The drive collected hundreds of items, proving that when it comes to helping people, even politicians can put aside their differences long enough to agree on the universal appeal of canned goods and fleece.

“Whether you're a Democrat, Republican, or Independent, helping people in need is something we can all get behind,” Al-Hamdani said, channeling the spirit of Mr. Rogers with a side of civic duty.

Plummer added, “Some people are tired of the nonsense, the fighting, the rhetoric on both sides.” Which is political code for: “We’re all exhausted and hungry. Let’s feed people.”

🧒 Enter: Vivek Ramaswamy, Campaign Trail Santa

Just when you thought this couldn’t get more surreal, Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy showed up at the Dayton Dream Center with his wife and kids, donating to the drive like a political Santa Claus with a startup pitch.

“It’s competition, but it’s our country at its best. It’s co-opetition,” Ramaswamy said, inventing a word that sounds like something you'd hear in a TEDx talk titled “How to Disrupt Charity.”

He added, “If someone needs help, you don’t ask what party they’re in.” Which is true—unless they’re asking for help with campaign finance reform.

📍 DMV Takeaway: Can We Do This in D.C.?

Here in the DMV (Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia), we’re watching this Ohio miracle like it’s the Super Bowl of civility. If Montgomery County can pull off bipartisan charity, maybe D.C. can too. Imagine Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell handing out mashed potatoes together. Stranger things have happened—like this food drive.

So if you’re in the DMV and wondering how to make politics less toxic, start with a coat drive. Or better yet, challenge your local party leaders to a bake-off. Nothing says unity like bipartisan banana bread.