General Discussion

Serious question. I have serious doubts about that, at least with regards to prejudice and perhaps for understanding the world. For example, nonsense abounded in the past: Reagan was spewing about trees as a major source of pollution before he was elected. Yet, the electorate didn't care. Another point: The hard-core racists of the segregated South are mostly dead.

How do we explain the willing acceptance of nonsense and bad behavior by leaders? As implied in the op-- people believe that which they find most consistent with their prior beliefs. Among MAGAs an entire political religion has been created for them, and they interact with others who while not true-believers are influenced to some degree.

Social media has increased the noise level significantly over the time when TV, radio and newspapers delivered mostly facts and news-- that plays a role-- maybe the key factor. People don't know what to believe and perhaps don't care. People are more confused perhaps these days.

People vote their pocketbook on the economy and are very willing to embrace change there.

In almost any other area, voters don't seem to embrace change at all. For example, the GOP attracts voters by opposing social change and expansion of civil rights.