"why do conservatives put so much weight in the symbolic"
Ask them what specific conservative policies do they support. Ask them which policies have actually helped the lower and middle class. They'll probably just say "THE WALL" and " DEPORT THEM MEXICANS". Ask them how this personally affects them right now. Bonus points if they bring up Obamacare and say "yeah but Obamacare lied and hurt me! libs hate americans!" Then point out Obamacare is the same type of healthcare system researched and funded by the Heritage Foundation and Mitt Romney. A conservative policy. Then ask them again which specific conservative policies have helped the lower and middle class.