They do, actually. They're clearly trying to frame the conversation ("I'm not trying to debate that point here") and I can understand because that debate is tir

They do, actually. They're clearly trying to frame the conversation ("I'm not trying to debate that point here") and I can understand because that debate is tired and most people have dug into their positions to the point where little more interesting conversation is likely to happen. That doesn't mean we have to accept that framing. I don't really think OP was trying to be obnoxious, nor do I think calling them out as such help the conversation. We have other options that lead to productive conversation. Hera are a couple: * call out the assumption before engaging on the topic. OP already did but we could say something like "not sure I agree with your premise but assuming it was true..." * decline to accept that framing and maybe point it out to others: "all of your points depend on the debate you don't want to avoid. I disagree with your initial statement and don't think any of the rest stands on its own."nts as given