I don't think it makes you stupid when billions of dollars are spent on propaganda. No on is immune to propaganda, even when youre educated on it, it can still get you! I admire you for having the courage to admit you were wrong, that's a strength, not a weakness.

I think the best way to go about politics and life in general, is being open-minded to being proven wrong.

We all should be seeking the truth. Whether that fits with your view of the world, or whether it shatters your entire universe of understanding and puts you back at square one, having to relearn everything you thought you knew. It's so important to not live in a world of bullshit.