I don't think there is much "mind" in play vis-a-vis the average American and politics. Not to pigeon hole anyone, but I think it just breaks down to the lazy inept (usually) non-voters who could care less, the people who have been brainwashed by the media to work fervently against their own interests, and then a minority (~30%?) who know what's up in an intelligent, analyzed manner.
This could be a triple false dilemma and there is a 4th class, but I'm not aware of its existence at the moment.
I hate stereotypes but after the last 20-30 years, and especially now with the Trump nomination, I kinda have to agree. Like I know it's the GOP, but still it just proves most of the voting people(and people in general)in the U.S. don't pay attention to anything that's actually been going on, and are easily blinded by charlatan's selling them a bill of goods, while hiding their true agenda(s). It has to do alot with the media in this country.
SO MANY people getting their news from such few and people swallowing every bit of their favorite news channel as fact. Oh yeah that and the lobbyists (not always bad, some are great people doing great things like union lobbyists, but they are always going to watch out for their own interests). Do you know how much money the Koch brothers alone spend each year trying to hold back alternative energy sources so their profits through oil are protected. And that's just one example, it is such a corrupt fucking system it makes me sick at times.
Not ALL Americans are this blinded though, especially ones of my generation(I'm 26), unfortunately a huge percentage of our group don't give a shit about voting or politics in general. Partially I guess a maturity thing, but also an attitude of "it doesn't affect my life, whichobviously couldn;t be farther from the truth. The reason we have a republican governor in my state right now(Bruce Rauner, Illinois) who wants to ruin the state even more and make it into one giant factory for low wage workers; is because of terrible voter turnout among younger voters and in more urban areas. Now the state, which was totally bankrupt by imbecile politicians(alot of them democrat's obviously, some all out crooked, some varying shades of gray; is put in the position of not even being able to try to begin righting the ship because said governor(who some consider a non-violent terrorist, but a terrorist nonetheless, is holding the bill hostage to try and push his big corporation anti-worker,anti-union sentiments. And people actually think Trump wouldn't do the same in a heartbeat. C'mon, the guy completely switched all of his moral stances just to pull this huge thing that will make him and his cronies just as rich as he PRETENDS to be right now. How can you not see it from a mile away?? He's secretley laughing at all of his supporters for going hook,line, and sinker. Even the Donald was surprised how easy that was. And this is a man who renowns himself as basically being the best used car salesman ever.