In today's highly charged political atmosphere, sticking to party-line talking points will guarantee a following among the party faithful. This work aims to avoid such instant success. Debates have winners and losers, but that determination is largely reflective of the popularity of myths and misconceptions in contemporary America about socialism, capitalism, religion, and democracy. Although the word is not, genuine discussion aimed at consensus is sorely missing in contemporary politics. Instead, the aim of many is to be distinct, achieved by deliberate exaggeration of differences and egregious misrepresentation of others. While this is sometimes entertaining, it is not productive toward the improvement of our society.