Whats the point of talking to liberals or conservatives?

[Yankeesftw]

I'm in a political science class and I am a moderate republican. We're talking about Egypt and I said "I think Obama should back Mubarak until September and then tell the people of Egypt that we support their switch to a full blown Democracy to keep what little stability in the nation is left, and in return, Mubarak calls off his police". Well, one kid tells me that the idea of even supporting Mubarak is facist and imperialist, and only right wing Bush lovers would even consider that idea that hasn't been implemented since the 1800's. Then another kid tells me that we should kick Mubarak out right now, and let the Egyptians pick a leader, but if its a radical we should invade them. My point was that by keeping Mubarak in power for a little bit, it might weaken the chances of terrorists like the Muslim Brotherhood taking power in Egypt, and then the people can choose between whoever they want. I said to look at the revolutions of Iran (kicking the Shah out) and Afghanistan (Taliban against Russia) and say, if we do nothing like the first kid said we might have to fight a war 10 years down the line, and the other one said we should make sure that Mubarak goes out right now, but if we dont like who the people elect we should attack them. I sat their talking for 2 hours, and they did not give me one good reason why either alternative would work. So really, what's the point of even debating, it doesnt make a difference really does it?