Yet they have a friend in this president.
Let's be clear: there isn't much ideological daylight between "mainstream" Republicanism and little-pig-eyed Nazism. Nazism is militarily expansionist; so is U.S. foreign policy (which, to be fair, is equally supported by Democrats). Nazism centers around a dynamic cult of the Leader; Republicans rally around their president no matter what outlandish crap gets vomited out by his mouth. Nazism relies on scapegoating and harkens to a mythic past when the nation was united by a common cause and everyone (everyone who matters) was happier and more prosperous -- c.f. "Make America Great Again" and Republicans' baseless claims that illegal immigrants are criminals and rapists.
So Trump's defense of Nazis and Klansmen isn't a radical departure from the GOP political norm. Where he's gone off the rails by American standards is a question of style.
Trump's manner -- as Senator Bob Corker aptly describes it, his lack of "steadiness" and "competence" -- is why he almost certainly will not complete his term.
Racism isn't the issue -- Republicanism is racist. It's a matter of decorum.
Trump is too tacky and high-strung and unpredictable for the business class. America's ruling elites like their racism served up quietly in a well-tailored suit, under a tight helmet of elder-statesman hair, delivered calmly and slowly, so bland that no one pays attention.
This is where Mike Pence comes in.
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