Both of our countries have become very partisan in the last 10 years particularly, with very little space in the middle. You're either right or left, and generally speaking you tend to associate with other people of like mind.

About a year ago I posted something to the effect that everyone I have ever met on the British folk scene was decidedly left leaning, if not outright actively socialist. Immediately ONE person, no longer with us unfortunately, jumped in and said they were right wing. Note the emphasis on ONE!

As most posters here have hinted, it goes with the music this side of the pond.