Is there any value in asking serious questions on Yahoo! Answers 'Politics' forum?

only if they are directed towards Republicans....otherwise, rational debate is not possible.

Sadly, you will have a hard time finding such a forum. Politics will always be a heated topic, and most people cannot separate their emotions and personal beliefs from their answers.

Then again, that is kind of the point- you ask a question and get an interesting array of answers. You do get a chance to see what a small portion of the population thinks- the answers just might not be as in depth as you'd like.

I think if you're looking for reliable information that you can be certain is correct, Y!A is definitely not the place. Anyone who comes in expecting to talk to an expert on whatever topic is misguided to start with. Misguided questions and answers don't warrant a violation. Who would want to come here any more?

This forum was not designed for people to engage in debate, rational or otherwise. You'll need a chat room for that, on here it's ask a question and move on.

Sometimes. A few people can give serious answers without name calling. :). Huff Post is a little better. Salon. Common Dreams. I imagine there are some right leaning sites that discourage ignorant children also.

Value is a somewhat subjective conclusion. I agree with an earlier answerer that sometime the questions are just as "thin" as are the answers.

The AIM chat rooms can sometimes have good debates, when it isn't everybody talking about a different topic at once.

the astronomy or math sections are totally without ad hominem attacks...

The questions are just as bad as some of the answers.

Not when the children are here for their daily dose of attention.