Most conservatives are not conservative simply because they're stupid or racist. They're psychological warfare victims of a propaganda machine designed to deflect the problems of society at "others", instead of the oligarchs who corrupt the government, and the system that enables it.

That's why Bernie was such a threat. His politics are the objectively best approach for 99% of people, regardless of political party, and he was able to cut through the noise to win them over, if given the chance. Most conservatives agree with socialist policies when you frame them as conservative policies.