Republicans are generally recognized as conservatives; to the right of the political spectrum. Trump's life and rhetoric certainly do not represent the traditional conservative positions. So how could he lead in the polls with the "conservative" party? It's because of this bloc of Republican voters - who may even call themselves conservative - but who are not committed to Republicanism. That would be defined as fiscally conservative, socially conservative, supporters of a strong defense and a small government, and grounded in the Constitution. Traditional Republicanism was most recently best represented by Ronald Reagan and that is one of the reasons he is most revered among the "base."
The thing about these principles is that it takes some thinking to arrive at them. They are not driven by feelings or unthinking "compassion" or class warfare or a dream of Big Government solving all of our problems. These principles do not cater to winds of populism. They are indeed principles and they are grounded in our Constitution.
Dr. R.B.A. DiMuccio, a guest commentator for Grove City's Center for Vision and Values, recently wrote about Trump's supporters. He quotes a YouGov poll that shows only 13% of them describe themselves as very conservative, and 20% describe themselves as liberal or moderate. Only 30% identify with the Tea Party. Conclusion: by and large, Trump supporters aren't the traditional conservative Republicans. I am not saying they are illegitimate. I am pointing out that this big bloc of Republican voters represent something outside conservatism.
I personally think the Trump supporters are mostly ignorant. They represent a large swath of America who are unfortunate products of our public schools. They didn't learn about the Constitution. They don't understand history and America's legacy in bringing liberty and opportunity to the world. They are the result of a liberal media bias that has worn down and eroded traditional American values.
The Trump voter is mad and not going to take it anymore. Trump offers a few simple solutions (I'll build a tremendous wall! It will be good!) and plays to the populist fever. It is as if the Reality TV star has taken his show live on the road. And the dumbed-down audience hoots and hollers as Trump calls his opponents names.
It is disheartening that this makes up such a large percentage of the active Republican voter today (is it really 40%?). It used to be - and I have been part of this battle - the conservative base versus the country club Republicans. Now it appears we have populism versus conservatism. Where are the country club Republicans? The talk is they have reluctantly thrown in with Trump because they feel they can make deals with him. And let's face it - they really dislike the hard core conservative.
What to do? Conservatives must be committed to principles and they must effectively make the case. Educate, promote, broadcast the truth. Speak up and stand for liberty and Constitutional principles. I hope this little blog will be part of that effort.