Yes, they do when they are based upon ideology. I propose that what we try in the future is a discussion, not a debate. Debates rarely go anywhere, the reason being that no one wants to be declared the "loser." They will continue to argue from their first premise if only to avoid capitulating.

Much of this "debate" has been Red Herring. Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton have nothing to do with the decisions that George Bush Junior has made.

Also, why must the term liberal be demonized? Classical liberalism is what gave us Democracy and Capitalism, two things that modern Republicans extol. Furthermore, the term conservative means "resistant to change" (my paraphrase and quotes), why must new ideas always be wrong? It is preposterous logic and a dangerous position take.

Also, don't let the media fool you. The "Culture War," is a non sequitur. I think that most of us agree on many fronts, it is only on things like "gay marriage" and "abortion" that we disagree (I put these issues in quotes because they should be non-issues; we can't shackle freedom). Meanwhile the American Government takes our money and doesn't help the poor, or allow everyone medical treatment, or give the money back to the elderly; no, the rich recieve twice as much money as those that are on welfare with subsidies and tax breaks. These are the issues upon which we should unite, and fight.