I was kind of the same way with Reagan back in the day. I would also add that I was 13 and 17 when he won his elections so I had shit to do with his getting elected.
The reasons why Reagan was a compelling candidate to teenage me:
He was slick. Compare him to Carter who was thoughtful, calculating, diligent and careful as well as burdened by problems that would require those traits for solid but unsatisfying solutions. Ford was tainted and short timer. Nixon was dirty and burdened with Nam. LBJ also had Nam.
The times. Growing up in 70s, I could see first hand the decline in American status....loss in Vietnam,the decline of US auto industry with rise in Japanese industry, OPEC flexing etc. Even the popular and acclaimed films of the day were critical, introspective, bleak, and uncomfortable. Even Star Wars had a used and dirty feel compared to other science fiction. Rocky, though an inspiring film, was set in a bleak environment. The Soviets and Eastern block Even kicked asses in the Olympics.
He sold hope and there were willing buyers.
I wised up during the Bush II administration, but I was college educated and exposed to vast amounts of information through my practice as a CPA. Even then it took the better part of 20 years to come around. So I am afraid some of these guys will never make it out.