Beyond identity politics, this study examines how partisan preferences form under elite polarization. Using survey data from the American National Election Studies and qualitative analysis of speeches, it finds that partisans react differently to competing motivations—ideological conviction versus emotional resonance—and respond variably across issues depending on their perceived importance in political discourse. The results challenge simplistic views by demonstrating distinct effects: policy alignment drives preferences for some issues while identity cues dominate others. This nuanced understanding improves models of descriptive representation and reveals the complex interplay between elite messaging, polarization, and voter behavior.