Yep. I think this is a pretty good analysis.

I suspect (not defending) people's views is that there is so much negative noise, they can't believe anything in particular, and due to laziness, they integrate the basic statements, perhaps by number and volume.

I have a pretty smart, and well-read, friend that is on the progressive side, who was unaware of the specifics of Hillary's email issue, and took for granted that "...other SOS's had done the same thing." This is not true, but obfuscating noise.

I think this comes down to laziness and a general belief that everyone is a liar including the media. They believe the world is a pile of liars and sinners, and seek to maximize their lot without working at it too hard.

I believe it is similar to why they write off all of the questions and conflicts surrounding their religion. It isn't rational or logical it is emotional because their ego is invested in their political belief.

We are a nation of unprincipled people. Plain and simple...

That's correct...the people have lost their moral principles...morals are subjective and change from one moment to the next, there are no rights or wrongs.
Everything good, right or adheres to self-evident moral principles is Bad. Anything bad, wrong, immoral is good because those that push this are bad themselves. Mankind has evil in their hearts because they do. You cannot rule yourself because of this so they must rule you.

It would seem my friend...most voters either have a severe blind spot or have become victims of the spells the kakistocracy sells them.

IMHO, you hit the nail squarely Dr. Nicely done!

That was an interesting essay Dr Hudgins. Thank you for your eloquent rational.
The path to corrupt, strongman political candidates has been paved by the media, the entertainment industry, the public education system and a general lack of responsibility for behavior.
In my life the greatest catalyst reaching the most people for this victim mentality was
LBJ 's Great society . That was intended to help mostly the black community. The message is The Responsibility for your situation is not your own. You are a victim.

The message should have been you are capable and if you become educated and valuable to an employer or community you will succeed and we will give you a level playing field.

Not We will care for you. We will give you a fish not teach you how to fish. It also encouraged procreating with one parent by upping the stipend. Creating neglect , few male role models or educators (my parents, my neighbors , my aunts and uncles)
They all taught by example or word and the lesson was your behavior must be acceptable and ethical. The message sadly missing today not only in impoverished areas but has spread throughout much of society.
The altruism pushed by the groups I listed previously using PC talk and labels(. Name calling)
For any promoter of a different approach or one who says A is A might be called a racist and we have many crash and burn careers examples to warn us not be a ( blank) resulting in rational ideas Not Being discussed they are dismissed or left unsaid.

The emotional thinking and response along with a lack of manners has allowed for increased violence and the PC bullying offering excuses for continued failure in supporting your self and families.
This type of mentality allows for a young black man to commit a strong arm robbery , try to grab a policeman 's gun be shot for those actions and become an instant victim (BLM). The rest is history.

Black people have become victims by the very programs intended to bring them onto the road of self sufficiency.
This culture has spread to include all races and millions of Americans, now 108 million
unemployed.
These people vote for food or who promises them entitlements and they aren't responsible for their behavior why should their care giver (the politician) be responsible.