It's hard to talk about politics without challenging someone's beliefs or opinions. And then they get offended. And because we've nurtured this idea that people have some kind of right to never be offended no matter what beliefs they hold or espouse, you find that the discussion quickly turns into back and forth accusations of bigotry, homophobia, racism, or some other kind of hate-based motivation, as if hatred is the only reason anyone might disagree with you on e.g. how to improve the economy or what role government should have in health care.