[lee martell]

I see your point, but this particular segment of society, small and annoying though they may be, has a great deal of influence on many aspects of everyday living in this country. It’s best to know those who may oppose you in some constructive manner. Know what motivates them. Know what ensnares them.

Lawyers and psychologists are often taught to do this, so that intellectually, you can debate most any position, using their own lingo and talking points. Whether you agree or not.
Think of Rush Limbaugh, who knows the liberal mind so well.
He can often predict who will say what about which topics.

[Olog-hai]

• If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.
• If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat.
• If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.

— The Art Of War, III:18

And the enemy at large poses as an “ally” of this group for political points.