I believe what parent is claiming is 'both sides' is a black & white gimmick that does not depict the spectrum between two polarized extremes.

I think even more that most issues are multi-dimensional, and you can't even explain it as a spectrum between two extremes -- you can reasonably be in one of a half-dozen different takes on the issue, depending on how you feel about particular aspects or sub-issues.

"Both sides" is just a shorthand expression for principles otherwise better understandable as "due process", but this is hard to summarize in just some words or a couple sentences.

It basically means there are two sides (at least) to everything, that can't just be disregarded. Exceptions prove the rule, of course.

On another point, Hotelling's law is a really poor example when it comes to debates or questions of politics, in my opinion.