I do not use the word "liberal" to describe the thinking of people on the Left as a general rule. They are more aptly described as "statists" or even "totalitarians". On the various matters of constitutional rights and freedoms, those of us who agree with Our Founders are more appropriately described as "liberals" in that tradition. We recognize the inherent dignity of each individual as having been granted by God, our Creator, and we live and think accordingly.
Others have suggested that you may do well to perhaps go after your goal of understanding by taking things an issue at a time. That seems to be good advice if you are willing to set aside any pre-conceived notions and hold to a logical approach. Not just you, but all who are willing to learn, may just learn something.
That's the best way to have a sincere discussion. That way, you are not discussing an ideology, but getting down to real issues. Decisions get made when the discussion is about facts and not whether a solution is ideologically pure.