I think that part of the problem in the States is that many people want a change from the status quo (usually elderly white blokes sponsored by big business) but they are also indoctrinated that many things that we consider ethical (e.g. unions, universal health care, gun control) are part and parcel of the encroachment of socialism/communism.

It's ironic that many people over there want to protect the concept of 'The American Dream' that they will never have a chance of experiencing in reality. That's why you can get them to vote for policies that are against their own interests: 62% of bankruptcies in the States are due to individuals who cannot pay their own health bills.