I don't think it's that big a stretch to say that nearly every aspect of our lives have been made into political fodder. From the car you choose to drive to personal hygiene to everything in between, they have all entered the realm of politics.
The main reason I see for this is the Republicans focus on "down home" and "family" values. They have successfully pushed the notion that your political beliefs should control and/or guide your lifestyle. And once the control is complete, Republican political beliefs are hard-wired into the person. Then Republicans appear to be stronger or more convicted than their Democrat counterparts because their life is based on making the correct political choice for each fork in the road that comes up.
Democrats just haven't accepted that buying organic soy milk has been made into a political statement. I think this is, at least, part of the reason why so many Dems seem flabbergasted or overwhelmed lately. They don't realize that when they pull up in their new hybrid, the Republican next to them associates that with support of gay marriage (or some other horseshit hot-button topic).
I just think that once Democrats realize that they're not just fighting a political party but a lifestyle, they might start making some headway in the electoral battlefield.
I really think this notion can be elaborated on but I have neither the time or the patience to do so at this point. I hope you help me out in comments.