They KNOW. They just willingly mislead to twist the facts and push their agenda.
Same as the illegal immigration debate. Proponents from both parties KNOW we are talking about law-breaking illegal immigrants, but constantly chastise opponents for hating all immigrants. It is a despicable tactic, and I vehemently will oppose anyone using these divisive attacks on these issues.
Indeed, they know. Agitprop, all day, everyday, agitprop. People on the right try, but in the time a reasoned piece rebutting just one of the myriad lies is composed, a dozen more have been promulgated by the other side.