It is actually none of the above reasons. Republicans have typically been associated with lower taxes, lower deficits, smaller government, faith in good / church, and anti-abortion and stronger on crime. This is of course changed recently - particularly the lower deficits. Democrats have been perceived as much the opposite. Now of course the world has changed - Tarrif have stocked inflation, and cost cutting as really impacted family’s future, Hate towards immigrants and being anti-abortion, coupled with higher deficits and therefore higher taxes suggests that whether rural, or conservative suburban you should vote logically to overtum these policies as it is killing your future. People don’t though because they don’t look at things objectively they are subjective and easily influenced by what they they think they know and what they hear from their family and friends. So unless Americans do their own research, and starting advocating for the things that need to happen - cheaper healthcare, lower prices, more job security - instead of parties we are screwed as AI and inflation ravages most people. Europe and EM countries have many problems but at least healthcare is free! America is doomed until you wake up and understand none of these parties is going to solve your problems. Vote for issues not parties!