It seems that the segment of the population that wants economic freedom also wants social conservatism, and the section that wants social freedom also wants socialism. Until that changes, libertarianism will remain a fringe idea IMO.
You just summed up, in two sentences, the problem with American partisan politics. And why there's no hope.
Until people understand that those who have different opinions or outlooks are not necessarily "evil," there is no hope. It is exactly why I have such a low opinion of Bill O'Reilly and Alec Baldwin. They are from opposite sides of the spectrum but they both are 100% sure they are always right about everything. In truth they are both assholes.
"Io sono stanco, sono imbigliato, and I wan't everyone here to know, there ain't gonna be no trouble from me..Don Corleone..Cicc' a port!"
. 