Yeah I can certainly understand and I have heard that a lot. It will definitely be an uphill battle. I am, however, very hopeful in regards to the possibility of redemption. (Or at least for some.)
My general experience has been that, with enough patience, I have been able to persuade and redirect most liberals I have spoken too. While part of it is my linguistic skills and ability to comfort or defuse emotional roadblocks, I would wager to guess the that the larger part has to do with my sub conscience picking up on signs given off by those I can influence. In other words I am likely being selective.
Either way many of these people have been ones others had found to frustrating to deal with.