I am not sure that line is so clear cut

Tribalism. Too many people stick with their political party like they stick with their sports teams. It doesn't matter if the team is objectively bad, it's their team and they will gladly punch the crap out of the fans of the opposing team. I know that some conservatives will choose a position on an issue solely based on what will "make the libtards cry." No thinking about the issue at all, just opposition to the opposing team. They have one pet issue and don't really care about the rest. They just care that their team is winning.

@astrochuck -- I am registered as a Democrat because my state does not have open primaries and I think the primaries are as important as any other electoral process, at least most of the time. A lot of balancing can be done in the primaries. I am actually one of those independent thinkers who votes based upon platforms, stances on issues, and all the details I can ferret out. It amazes and disappoints me what I see in both camps at the extreme ends. However, I would tend to agree with your observations of the conservatives in general.

One change I would like to see is equal recognition of other parties and their candidates as well as all of them being on the ballot. I think that is doable, but as probable as miracles on demand.

I’ve noticed this too. I’m liberal and most of the people I know are liberal. But lately I’ve noticed more and more are fanatical about it. I try my hardness to look past party lines and ask myself “would I agree with this person if I knew which party they belong too?” I think I might be surprised. It is difficult to keep an open mind in politics but I try.