I've "debated" with many Canadians on their political choices, and opinions on abortion, healthcare etc etc.
I have never "argued" or been "heated" with one. Ever. I am a right wing Conservative and proud of it (folks there's a difference between a CDN Conservative and US so be aware) and I have argued with the dedicated Green Party donation machine. We have smiled and agreed to disagree at the end.
In America, I have almost had to defend myself from a fist from insane right wing conservatives.
Then I tried a new approach this year. I told people I didn't care who won. I figured hey it saves me from having to defend a position I honestly don't believe anyway (let's face it how are Obama and McCain REALLY different?). So I said I didn't care. I got more venomous hate spewed at me than before. "You should be ashamed. Move back to your country." I got from people at Cafes.
I've realized that Americans love to HATE things, and it is what drives the country. Fear and hate keep us moving. Otherwise we'd just eat KFC and turn into a nation of:
It's becoming a sad state real fast. We like to think we are all powerful and knowing, but we are one step away from being the Congo.