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I actually have never ever found anyone change their mind about politics based on a discussion with someone they disagree with. Especially not on a discussion board. At least not in terms of overall position; perhaps some detail might get rethought, but that's about it.
I have found, however, that discussions sharpen my thinking and make me account for things I might not have thought of. It also points out to me which arguments work and which don't.
The main reason for the lack of persuasion is that people in different "camps" find different kinds of considerations persuasive. That means that to a large degree lefties and righties are talking past each other. One can accept every fact the other posits and still come to different conclusions.
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