It is not hate speech when one takes up hateful and unchristian speech in self-defense.  One is not restricted in how one conducts oneself once one believes one has been attacked.  Would Jesus expect us to simply put up with someone who has the effrontery to disagree with us?  Certainly the Church does not expect this of us.  No, all restrictions are removed if it is self defense.  Hate, snark, nastiness, lies, whatever, it is all allowed.  I believe this is the only reasonable way for a good Catholic to conduct themselves.  Of course, one would not expect progressives to comply with this standard of ethics.