Path,
The mere fact that your friend is a liberal leftist precludes the whole reason part of the debate. The left does not think, they feel. The reference to teaching a pig to sing is an accurate one.
I have a ton of mis-guided friends here in Berkley East. I find I have better results in asking questions. I rarely bring up current events, as they have already been programed to respond negatively or at least spout the democrat party line. I find I get better response and shut the whole afore mentioned spouting by asking questions about theory. For example: I was speaking with a co-worker and the subject of our second quarter bonus came up. She mentioned that there was a ton of taxes taken out. I just asked if she still voted democrat. The silence was deafening. Choose your spots. The message will get through. It will be up to your friend to choose whether or not she will choose Reason or Emotion...