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Tell her that if politics & religion were not to be discussed, we would not have this great country of ours, because POLITICS & RELIGION were discussed at the Continental Congress, before the Revolutionary War, after that war, and before our Constitution was built, signed, and passed.
I can only just imagine those political and religious discussions that went on during the Continental Congress, the drafting of our US Constitution.
Yes, they ( ex specially your mom ) were raised in a different time, but, I am afraid, that they use that as a excuse to not engage in a political & religious discussion because either they don't want contention, or they fear that they would not be taken seriously, or they don't want change.
Maybe you can reassure her that you love her, and that, you won't laugh at her ideas ( even though ? you want to put her on the right path ) and reassure her that you TOO, also have the same values, and beliefs as you do, but, in a different language, or words, or form.
Find out in a not so contentious way what her true core values are, and if you need help, go ask your dad, and maybe he can translate to her what you mean, and believe.

Not wanting contention hits it on the head - many of the "Silent Generation" as it was dubbed here on FR, are not grandstanders, they live their lives quietly and hated the upheaval of the 60s after the tranquility of the 50's.

I have told my parents several times thay I find it very interesting that for 2 non-political, Democratic Party leaning parents they raised such tried and true conservatives - and they shrug their shoulders. Part of it is me and my brothers grew up in the Washington DC area - politics 24/7, inside the beltway mentality. My parents grew up in a small coal-mining town in PA - kinda poor but happy. 2 different worlds.

One day we will have a very good discussion - she knows I love her and for now that is good. Thanks for all the pointers, I will always listen to good advise.

Good Night, off to get kids in bed and walk the dog!