Are Trump Supporters “Flip-Floppers”?

Max Boot, a right-leaning military affairs writer, expresses contempt for the GOP because recent polling finds that only 40% of Republican voters now support NATO while 56% approve of Trump’s relationship with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.

To be sure, these are unusual results for recent times.  Republicans have generally been supporters of an aggressive foreign policy and suspicious of Russia.

The Democratic Party membership has been just the opposite.

But none of this should be cause for disdain.  How many people make independent, considered judgments about foreign affairs?  Not many.  The reality is that party faithful (note the term) take the position of their leadership.

Prior to 1952, when internationalist Dwight Eisenhower became the GOP nominee, the Republican Party had been isolationist for several decades.

These days, Donald Trump, has questioned America’s involvement in NATO and has been friendly toward Russia.  Thus, it’s to be expected that the Party’s membership would be favorably disposed toward those views.

[Actually, it’s surprising that “only” 56% are on Trump’s side regarding Putin considering that polls have Trump’s approval among Republicans at nearly (90%.]

Although I’ve seen no polls, I’m confident that the Democratic base has flipped, too.  Now, they are undoubtedly more pro-Nato and less antagonistic to Russia.  Not coincidentally, they are adopting views contrary to Trump’s.

Thus, the Max Boots of the country need to calm down.  As Trump changes (isn’t that a sure bet?) so will the views of the rank and file.  There is another sure bet.  Republicans are patriots.  They want the best for our country.  For now, their faith is in Donald Trump.  Is it misplaced?