The GOP and Donald Trump: Why the Fringe Continues to Support Him

Over the past decade, the Republican Party of the United States (GOP) has seen a significant shift in its base. What began as a pragmatic political strategy has evolved into a more radical and unyielding support for Donald Trump. The root of this transformation lies in the recruitment of fringe groups that, while initially appealing, ultimately demanded control over the party's agenda. This article delves into the origins and persistence of this support, examining the ideological evolution of the GOP and the strategic choices that have locked in the support for Trump.

Recruiting the Fringe: A Decade of Thought Reform

Beginning in the late 1960s and 1970s, GOP strategists began to recruit individuals from the fringes of the political spectrum. This recruitment started with anti-integration racists, expanded to include evangelicals, and later added anti-gun control, anti-government extremists who believed in a range of conspiracy theories. These groups distrusted the federal government, and their beliefs aligned well with the Republican platform of deregulation and limited federal government.

The initial attraction of these groups was their shared anti-government sentiments, which were ideologically fortuitous for the Republican Party. Even conservatives and moderate Republicans recognized the potential for mobilizing support through these groups. However, what the GOP strategists failed to anticipate was the rapid growth and transformation of these groups. These groups started to function more like cults, exhibiting intense zealotry and an unwillingness to compromise.

From Margins to Dominance: The Rise of Fringe Ideology

The radicalization of the party's base began in earnest after the Obama presidency and the formation of the Tea Party movement. The reaction to these changes created an environment in which the most radical candidates had the best chance of winning primary elections. Candidates had to move further to the right to stand a chance, and this shift was exacerbated by the 2016 presidential primary.

Even figures like Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio, who were once deemed Tea Party darlings, were now seen as insufficiently radical. The radical fringe had taken over, demanding strict adherence to their beliefs. The ascendancy of Donald Trump marked a turning point, as his willingness to defy conventions and amplify divisive rhetoric resonated deeply with the base. He became the embodiment of the radical shift within the party.

The Fringe as the Uncontested Base: Locking In Support

The radical ideology of the fringe groups creates a shift in the norm, requiring adherents to become more radical to stay relevant. This dynamic pushed the GOP further to the right, with moderate Republicans being summarily dismissed and even conservative representatives being sidelined. The base, now more radical and less compromising, demanded a hero who could consolidate their support by appealing to their worst fears and deepest anxieties.

Donald Trump emerged as this hero. He tapped into the zeitgeist of the fringe, using simplistic and inflammatory rhetoric to galvanize support. He formulated slogans like "Make America Great Again," "Build the wall," and "Lock her up!" which resonated with the base's fears and anger. The result was a symbiotic relationship where the fringe provided the base and the base demanded a leader who could channel their worst impulses.

The GOP's Dilemma: Compromise or Unconditional Support

The GOP is now in a dilemma. Trump is a product of their recruitment and ideological shift. Any criticism of him is met with resistance from the base. The party has no choice but to either support him unconditionally or risk being perceived as too weak to lead. This has created a scenario where opposition to Trump within the party is muted, and even criticism is kept to a bare minimum.

This dynamic has been further reinforced by the radicalization of the base. The fringe has become the uncontested base of the Republican Party, and any candidate who deviates from their agenda risks becoming a target. The support for Trump is not just an individual preference but a fundamental shift in the party's ideology and political strategy.

As the GOP navigates this complex political landscape, the support for Donald Trump remains a defining feature. Understanding this support is crucial to understanding the evolution of the Republican Party and the challenges it faces in the future.