"People have a remarkable ability to explain away evidence rather than change their cherished beliefs."

I never knew Rose Colored Delusion was a Kool-Aid flavor. Sells well here in New Albany, though. This article begins with the most relevant historical reference, and proceeds through ways that cult-think occurs outside the election cycle.

Cultish Thinking in Everyday Life, by Derek Beres (Big Think)

 ... The practitioners of mind control are not restricted to cult leaders and religious sects. Instead, they walk among us on a daily basis.