That wasn't my experience - I've never seen anything like the politics I saw in an academic department in industry. It was one of the reasons I left as I got the distinct impression that you have to politic like mad to get ahead and that really didn't interest me.
UK rather than US though. You know what they say:
"Academic politics is the most vicious and bitter form of politics, because the stakes are so low."
I assure you your understanding of the academic environment is flawed.
The politics is only intensified at the top. You need to have some skills, but much of it is politics and it is as intense as in industry if not more.
You will be surprise if I tell you stories about major awards and recognitions. These are becoming norms than exceptions.
I have worked partly in industry.