I know this because I saw the fanatical SoCon elements come out in support of Santuckabee Huckatorum during the ‘08 and ‘12 primaries—neither of whom profess much in the way of fiscal conservatism, but SoCons were fervent to vote for them in droves. To a point that derailed the nomination process away from getting a more sound conservative leader… and we got saddled with turds like McCain and Romney.
Not trolling. I’ve been here too many years for that.
Just like picachu you gotta' get 'em all!
I think you hit upon an important point. A lot of the ambivalence over socons isn't caused by the positions they advocate, even though pro-life-related gaffes by pro-lifers are much more damaging than the ordinary kind. That ambivalence is caused by the fervency.
I watched a bit of this year's Democratic Convention, and it might as well have been a salespersons' convention. Snicker if you want - I did - but it does show that the Dems have a good idea of what kind of enthusiasm works in politics. So do the Republicans. The kind of fervency that benefits the cause is some kind of rally-ho. Other kinds of fervency tend to be off-putting.
A lot of ordinary liberals delight in unveiling put-downs, and I'm still wondering why it hasn't been hurting the Dems. Americans are legendary for responding to a putdown with the flying finger.
Although putdowns are more lethal politically in the long term, it's also a turnoff to come across as a yeller. People hate putdowns, but they don't like being yelled at either. Fervency that comes across as yelling will not be greeted with open arms and stoutened hearts - except amongst those who are already part of the faithful. The only exception to this rule is an "official victim" group. Regardless of how true Evangelicals have been treated - and I know they've been treated badly - they don't get the bye unless they get the designation. As of now, they haven't.
I'm throwing these opinions out as points to ponder.