What's The Deal With The South?

As someone who lives in a conservative area populated with myopic, uber-religious, over-patriotic Republicans, one would think I would have these folks figured out by now. No. Absolutely not. I am as perplexed now (probably more so, given the results of the election), as I ever was. Why would the people who live in rural areas in the south and midwest, who mostly live in poverty and work two or three shitty jobs, want to vote against the party who struggles to give them higher working standards and social programs that could substantially raise their standard of living? I have no freakin' clue. It has to be more than just religion (or maybe not). I can't believe these people think of nothing but illegalizing abortion and gay marriage. Hopefully, the Democrats can break through to these people and show them that the Republicans care for no one but themselves. Besides, religion and politics don't mix!