Oh no, I didn't take your post that way at all.
People having unflattering opinions of other groups is a common reality. Interpersonal contact between decent people usually solves that problem pretty quickly.
A very sensible observation. I often marvel that many libs who have the chance to talk with conservatives personally actually...gasp...like them, ala Rush Limbaugh (or so he says).
My dearest friend (my brother) is quite liberal, but...he tolerates and loves me with a smile...:)