Catch your breath after that second sentence, bro.

I've actually met and befriended people with opposite political views than mine, but with the ability to discuss coherently, intelligently, and keeping an open mind to what others have to say. So I can't say I totally agree with you on that. I think my idea when creating the thread (without having gone back to read the OP) was to establish a contrast between the political discussions of the past, and the personality chest-thumping and mud-slinging that is so favored today.

But the ultimate in positive traits a human can have is the ability to change opinions, based on previously unknown facts... or on events that have transpired recently. I can feel a certain way about someone, be it a political figure or whomever, and then change my mind based on facts I didn't have before, or events that occur that cause me to change my mind.