A LOT of it is that the media has been succsessful at repositioning conservatives as a “hate-group”, in the same way as they have done to Christians.
“Conservative” is now a nasty word that means beer-guzzling, bible-thumping rednecks driving pickups with Confederate flags looking for blacks to run over on the way to the NASCAR race...
And anyone who dares to stand against the “Gay Civil Rights” agenda is a “hate-group” now, doncha know...
Aside from the running over the blacks bit... I see no problem with that stereotype!
Of course, given the fact that the KKK was founded by (and chiefly consists of) democrats, it seems silly for them to suggest such things.