How many friends have you lost because of exchanging political views?

None. We all understand we aren't going to change each other minds on the issues and we all like beer.

about 10

Well, if I'm ever in a debate with a friend, I try to use that to my advantage by using a friendly tone of voice so I can quickly find out what they really think. Plus, people who you maintain a friendly disposition with are more easily persuaded. When you get people into an angry argumentative mood, they won't change their emotionally held beliefs. If they are relaxed and you don't piss them off too much, you can even convert them.

If they are not much more than a person I know, then I will firmly state my beliefs in a respectful manner. I make sure to point out any logical flaws, and to lead them into those flaws if it can be done and correction would help my case.

None, but it got shaky for a while with my FOX viewing friend. I learned just not to discuss politics. Our views are really pretty similar, but since I didn't vote for G.W. Bush, she has me labeled as a party voting liberal Democrat. Funny, since she told me that she was a liberal Republican. But, that before she started watching FOX News.

Moderate Independent who voted for Gary Johnson. (Didn't vote for Carter or Clinton (either one). Dole was the last Republican I voted for for president.)

Just one; and it was because he was extremely disrespectful to anyone with a different view than himself.

I actually have a number of conservative friends and I often engage in civil debates with some of them.

Maybe you find out who your true friends are. This is a better way than to wait til you need them.

None. Friendship runs deeper than petty political infighting.

there are two things you must never discuss with your friend if you wish to remain friends. that is politics and religion. i have found this to be very true on multiple occasions.

I have distanced myself from a few people because of it. But one of my best friends is a liberal, she is whack, but she is my friend. She tell me I am nuts, I tell her she is whack, we are able to laugh at each other, not argue.

A few too many.