More specifically, politicians as an identity. Is this a new thing, circa 2016?

A lot of people tie in their favorite political candidate into their identity, just like they would their career, hometown, college, heritage, sports team, etc.

Were there Bob Dole Bros and John Kerry stans, and Obamaites, like there are Bernie Bros and Trumpsters? Is this due to increased polarization, or more charismatic candidates (or something else)?

Is it a bad thing to have politics tied into your identity?