My impression is that many conservatives simply don't value the basics of critical thinking and cross-checking information. They've learned to trust their "gut"

My impression is that many conservatives simply don't value the basics of critical thinking and cross-checking information. They've learned to trust their "gut" and/or prayer above doing the legwork needed for finding or checking info. They've been convinced they either have special powers or have a direct "network connection" to the Big Guy's Fact Channel In The Sky.