It's really rude to start talking politics at a party or a dinner the way your group did, OP, especially in a heated way.

the solution is to tell people you're not into politics you don't keep up with it, ending the conversation about politics. it accomplishes nothing for two Ordinary People debating politics to reach a consensus or to talk about politics at all.

I live in the Seattle area, and constantly tell people that I have no opinion on politics. plus I stay away from all those that are superheated about it and can't keep their mouth shut about it.