Why Does Donald Trump Remain Popular with So Many Republicans?

 

TSC has never been a fan of Donald Trump.  I’ll admit that I voted for him last time – how could I not, given the alternative.  But my ballot was indeed cast with reluctance.

Personally, I do not like him.  He is not a good person.  He treats people deplorably who refuse t do his bidding or display less than 100% loyalty (a character trait he demands but does not reciprocate).

Yet, there are millions of my fellow Republicans who do not share my disdain for our former President.

Why not?  It’s not as if the deficiencies just recited are concealed.

I suggest that Trump adherents fall into two basic categories.  The first  smaller one, is actually attracted to the former leader’s crude and mean ways.  They are people who are angry- with considerable justification – with the way the Left depicts them (deplorables) and delight that Donald Trump can “dish it out” against them as they would like to.

Other Republicans ignore his manner (unlike the first group) but they really don’t care about politics or focus on Trump’s deficient personal qualities.  Rather, they judge Donald Trump by how they felt when he was president. 

That attitude was best illustrated by a postal worker I know.  She’s plainly middle class in upbringing and friendly and pleasant in manner.  She knew that I was interested in politics and a conservative.  One day recently she asked what I thought of Trump.  I told her of his character flaws.   “I don’t care about those things,” she replied, “but when he was President, I felt safe.  With President Biden, I don’t.”

Millions of good people feel that way. 

The GOP’s task is to nominate a candidate who can foster the same reassurance without the Trump baggage which alienates political independents and others.