I have friends of different political persuasions. I avoid talking politics with them and if they insist, well that puts a real damper on the friendship and I'd be likely to distance myself. My attitude is that we can "agree to disagree". But, my closest friends tend to share my politics. There's something very offputting about someone who thinks it is okay for some people to be excluded from health care because they can't afford it, that gays who want to legalize their union with their partners shouldn't be allowed to, that firearms should be readily available to anyone who wants them with few restrictions,etc. That tells me that in a deep, fundamental way they don't share values that are very important to me, and the friendship will not go beyond a superficial level.

Er...Some men are (were) sexually attracted to Margaret Thatcher????? I can't imagine!