I think a lot of it is they really do want to help. They really do want to promote diversity. But at the same time, they have that base human urge to be focused on things relevant to them (i.e. what they like/support/are). I think it does create a lot of what you're talking about. The problem with it affecting those higher up instead of those with less influence, I think, is compounded by the difference influences of the left's constituents versus the right's constituents. Unfortunately, I can't really explain why I think that. I'm having problems formulating the thoughts clearly. Perhaps you understand what I'm trying to say and can do so better.

I think both sides would benefit a great deal if they got back to objective party stances like small government vs. large government, or state government vs federal government, instead of "This is what I BELIEVE!!!". It feels a lot like it's become Democrats=Hippie-PETA, Republicans=Old-School Conservative Christian, and where you fall on a spectrum between the two. Obviously that's not exactly how it is, but that's how it feels. And that's just not effective for governing!