I entered the arena of the political message board back around 2000, becoming especially active during that election. One of the first boards I was member of was Abuzz which was sponsored by the New York Times. I was also participating in a political chat room at that time. Honestly the temperature of hate has not increased as much as the language has gotten more descriptive. On the message board I was with some regularity called names which included whore, the b work and occasionally something a bit stronger. I was threatened with bodily harm etc... all this because I disagreed with what I perceived as the mindless support of then candidate Bush. In the chat room this also took place but a quicker pace and yes there was even the threat of being cyber stalked, why I never give my real name. I don't write these things for pity because trust me I gave as good as I got not being one to back down from a verbal assault. Then I began to become consumed with anger and quite frankly did not like the person I was becoming because I was becoming one of them. In the 10 + years that I have been engaged in cyber politics the debate really has not changed one iota. Same arguments, same talking points, same ole same ole.
I stumbled upon CHB a few years after I decided to leave the other board and gave up on trying to participate in a civil discussion in the chat rooms. One of the reason I've come back to CHB is because there is a civil discussion. My mind is challenged more than I've found elsewhere. True the hamster wheel of political discussion does pop up now and them but for the most part here you are able to engage in a thought provoking discussion.
Just my two cents anyway. Nothing is perfect, sometimes you need to appreciate the difference even if every so slight.

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I�
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.