I think there are two kinds of partisans. Some simply choose to join the "big tent" that is closest to their own beliefs and do so as a strategic choice. Others adopt a strongly ideological view and allow their logical mind to be overtaken by arguments that support partisan goals.
I think this is analogous to how scientists who were under theocratic rule tried hard to incorporate religious notions into their experimental findings. There is a lot of social and community pressure to go all in and devoutly believe that the people are all good and the policies all reasonable and helpful, even when many of the policies are obviously motivated predominantly by powerful interest groups.
The first kind of partisanship is fine, the second is much more akin to a religion or a clique member and is thus not as likely to act in the interest of democracy.
I think this is analogous to how scientists who were under theocratic rule tried hard to incorporate religious notions into their experimental findings. There is a lot of social and community pressure to go all in and devoutly believe that the people are all good and the policies all reasonable and helpful, even when many of the policies are obviously motivated predominantly by powerful interest groups.
The first kind of partisanship is fine, the second is much more akin to a religion or a clique member and is thus not as likely to act in the interest of democracy.