Another problem is not using critical thinking skills and not relying on ones own thoughts on a subject, meaning that people are often just parroting the interpretation of statements as fed to them by the right wing media.

I listen to more left leaning media and sometimes see a bit too much spin and generalization on matters, so while I hear what they are saying, and use it for consideration, I still form my own thoughts and opinions, though often still left leaning or centrist.

Crazy to see a war on common sense.

I don't know if this is listening skills or listening to those who created a Straw Man. It is as much a matter of believing what is said rather than someone else's interpretation (or misinterpretation, likely intentional) of what is said.