I probably should have tossed "uneducated backwater hicks" in quotes - I was attempting to speak from what I perceive to be the left-wing point of view. But you

I probably should have tossed "uneducated backwater hicks" in quotes - I was attempting to speak from what I perceive to be the left-wing point of view. But you are right, the social tribalism is driving a lot of this. I live in a very liberal university town, and many people seem to see republicans this way.