>And honestly, if thinking for yourself leads you to be anti-climate action, anti-lgbt rights, anti-labor etc. you deserve whatever you get
There are basically 6 major factions in the US right now, along with the associated special interests.
The Establishment Democrats, and the Progressive Democrats
vs
The Establishment Republicans, and the Populist Republicans
and the Independents, and 3rd party which often determine elections.
On above, Establishment Republicans and Establishment Democrats have far more in common, with each other, than they do with their respective Populist and Progressive wings.
Likewise, in many areas the Populist Republicans and Progressive Democrats have a great deal in common too.
There are basically 6 major factions in the US right now, along with the associated special interests.
The Establishment Democrats, and the Progressive Democrats
vs
The Establishment Republicans, and the Populist Republicans
and the Independents, and 3rd party which often determine elections.
On above, Establishment Republicans and Establishment Democrats have far more in common, with each other, than they do with their respective Populist and Progressive wings.
Likewise, in many areas the Populist Republicans and Progressive Democrats have a great deal in common too.
Please don't oversimplify this.