People fight harder when they feel misrepresented than when they merely feel opposed.

Being disagreed with is tolerable. Being described inaccurately is not, and it turns a manageable difference into something people will fight about for hours. What triggers the escalation is usually a version of yourself you do not recognize being argued against.

Before responding, try restating their position until they agree you have it right. It takes a couple of attempts and it removes the fuel. You cannot have a productive disagreement with someone who thinks you are attacking a caricature of them.