Do you think it's possible to have a heated discussion, without it becoming personal?

I have fallen into it before, you can’t get your point across to the other person, so you start attacking the person personally.
At that point emotions are running high, and I feel the argument, has been lost.
So whatever the topic, Religion, politics, children, or what have you.
Your absolutely going to run into someone who doesn’t share your views.
Can you have a discussion on a subject, with someone who you know will never see it as you do, without it becoming personal?