Do Republican voters have a missing gene?

[Cyrano]

It’s obvious why most wealthy people vote for Republicans. But why do all the rest of Republican voters continue to screw themselves at election time?

It seems to me that they are far different from us at a very basic level. Do most of them base their votes on some combination of hatred, bigotry, fear, ignorance, brain washing, religious extremism, or a terminal case of stupid? And if they vote for Republicans for reasons other than these, how do their minds function?

Many of today’s Dems are no great bargain. But for the most part, they are not out to destroy whatever remains of American civilization. Yet, virtually every elected Republican seems determined to pour gasoline on us and strike a match.

So let me get back to my original question. What makes Republican voters different from the rest of us? Missing genes aside, can’t they grasp that they are opting for self-destruction?

[FSogol]

1. Yes, they are selfish. So, when someone does a kindness or looks out for their best interests

(like liberals do), they are wary and distrustful.

[dennis4868]

2. The answer is Fear!

The repubs are great at scaring the shit out of people so around the time of every election they bring up an issue that scares people and forces (and brainwashes) them to vote for the repubs or else the world will come to an end (e.g., another 911 if you vote dem, gays will get married, muslim mosques, etc....).

[Cyrano]

3. Fear is definitely a factor

But IMO, fear is just one of the factors I mentioned in the OP. Having said that, one can only pity those whose lives are driven by fear. The results of that emotion are unpredictable and such people pose a possible threat to themselves and all the rest of us.

[SoCalDem]

4. They don't do it on their own. Our so-called media aids & abets them

Media covers lunacy & calls it news..the "low-info" voters slurp it up like milk from a saucer..

[RaleighNCDUer]

5. Which begs the question - what makes them more susceptible to such

manipulation than us? It's not necessarily native intelligence - I've met any number of very intelligent, successful Republicans who also are absolute wackadoodles.

[SoCalDem]

7. I think there are just some people who were never taught to think rationally

or to question authority.. and then there is the issue of irrational-faith.

If you believe that your life is being run by some unseen deity in the sky, it removes a lot of responsibility :(

[PJPhreak]

6. "Do Republican voters have a missing gene?"

Yes...The one for Intellectual Thought Processes!