"passion" has many meanings but, in this context, it means "a strong feeling or sentiment" which, in some cases, may actually result in "political action" or "fighting for a cause" as AnthonyNewJersey said. However, even though there may be strong political passions expressed in the media about an issue, most people never actually act on their feelings. So, for example, in Korea there may be strong political passions about the resurgence of nationalism in Japan. How many Koreans actually do anything about such feelings and how many just talk about it with their friends and family? For most people, one's political passions will influence how one responds to public opinion surveys and how one votes at the ballot box.

Take it one step further Aworld. So, "political passions" could mean 'fighting for a cause' or a 'political action', which is one step beyond a political view.