I know in DC the greatest era was when TipnRonnie would have a drink and unreconstructed racists on BOTH SIDES had a lot of fun hanging out. And, yes, sure, there is practical value (if small and declining) of using charm on some people on the other side to support you on some little things, even if the big things are out.
But at some point "beware the fascism!!!" "and "we had a productive discussion at the cocktail party" messages contradict each other.
