https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/politics/wp/2017/10/05/only-about-1-in-10-americans-have-a-lot-of-friends-of-the-opposing-political-party/?utm_term=.3e1676dba35c

Most of us are not likely to discuss politics with family or friends, and many times, if we do, we may be doing so mostly with people of like mindset. Like minded people tend to congregate with like minded people, and so we all unconsciously form our own little "bubbles"

Places like the Lounge serve a purpose in exposing us to points of view that may not be noticed within our respective "bubbles". Very few may change their minds regarding a specific point, but I would venture to say that the WAY we look at things is influenced by the debates we have here.

So, it appears that the Lounge may not suck afterall!