"Moderation in all things including moderation".

Sometimes you have to take a stand. Jon Stewart provides a good model for how to do this.
Be respectful of a person with a different viewpoint. Discuss rather than name-call.
Speak in a modulated tone and don't shout or pound the table. Stick to the facts as you know them. Don't go for the ad-hominem. Keep a good sense of humor.

You gotta' love Jon Stewart, I think. He puts dialogue above ranting.

Colbert is a great satirist. He play-acts the Republican today.