How I Debate

tldr:

Debates are essential in a free society.

1. Do not hope to change people’s core stance. [...] One of the core reasons to debate is to find common ground.

2. Let people’s character [or motives] out of the debate.

3. Shy away from authority-based arguments.

> He just made it impossible to debate calmly. But now that Trump is gone, the climate is just as bad and, if nothing else, much worse.

Except that Trumpism was widely adopted by the GOP. He isn't gone by any means. He is just no longer president.