Indeed... the "why" evades all rational, logical thought

[Irish_Dem]

13. Yes. I think it is connected to cult member type behavior.

Cult leaders manipulate vulnerable people who perhaps are suffering from a personal crisis or some inner problems.

One of the ways the cult leader manipulates is sharing "special" information. Information that is secret or hidden
from the rest of society.

This propaganda makes the cult member feel important, gives them status and importance.
Something which is missing from every day life.

So it feeds them and makes them feel special.
And also serves to further alienate them from society.

I don't think we know the full explanation for why the GOP and Trump have been so successful.
And produced mass cult behavior in so many Americans.

Relentless Putin/GOP propaganda, social and economic upheaval in a changing society and ruthless
corporate oligarchs. This is just a part of it.

But there will be many studies in the future.