The latter is not universal. Several popes have explicitly stated that they are indeed fallible (which would render total infallibility self-contradictory). Also, infallibility is generally limited in certain ways that I won't bother researching in enough depth to put into a concise description. But the pope can't just make up some random shit and have it automatically considered to be the word of God.

Of course, pointing out that someone violates the basic tenets of Catholicism while naming those specific tenets is well within "the pope is right" territory.

That is what we in the business call a poser.

In my experience American catholics in general tend to be the ones who vote hard right, while saying "I think politics is tearing us apart" and "oh, I don't discuss politics" "I'm not racist, but...". They want the same thing the far righ wants they just don't want to get their hands dirty.

The pope doesn't claim infallability on everything, only specific statements ex cathedra.

Meant by who? The pope?