I had been pretty low on the learning curve all along when it comes to understanding the Republicans and their support of Donald Trump. It had baffled me for years. However, after watching the news clip of Shepard Smith (Fox Network) consoling them and calmly assuring them that they had nothing to fear from the caravan, I think that I now get it. He seemed to very calmly pat them on the head (figuratively) while he gave them assurances that there is nothing to fear. Much like you would do with a child. I now realize that Trump's followers are very much like his children.
I have always believed that many conservatives (lrg "C") are very fearful people. One clue was that they seem to be easily manipulated by the use of fear tactics. Although, I now think that I had always underestimated their insecurity and the level of the fear that they actually possess. Given the fact that their attraction to Trump seemed to me to be very much like a cult following, I began a little research in an effort to understand the how and why. I considered various cults and then finally compared to some extent the followers of Jim Jones to the Trump followers. In my research of Jim Jones, I came across an article titled Jim Jones and Donald Trump: The same Kool-Aid Different Vat1 . That article seemed to bring it all together. It is certainly worth a read.
If you consider that most Republicans are religious people that have a strong faith, it points to their very human need to find something with which to gain strength to overcome fear and insecurity. Religion can do that. It is certainly understandable and quite normal. However, many of these same people (Conservatives) are very outspoken and a bit obsessive with regard to their need to apply their religious beliefs to others (i.e. politics). In my experience, it seems that someone's religion and their faith are usually very personal matters, but not so much with many of these conservative folks. When it comes to faith and religion; most people commonly look to their pastor, minister, rabbi, etc. for help and reassurance. They obviously can be trusted to steer them in the right direction. These religious leaders are generally good and honest people that take their positions seriously and are sincere in their desire to help others. It is not uncommon for these leaders to be held at a higher level and trusted to a greater degree than one would place in most other human beings.
It is unfortunate, but one of the reasons that people succumb to a cult and the following of a cult leader is; for the very same reason that they turn to religion. It gives them an inner strength. They are drawn by the strength that they gain when that leader is able to convince them that he can free them from their fears. However, when their leader is held at a higher level and trusted more than any other, they then begin a very dangerous relationship. This, I think, is where we are with Trump and his followers.
Consider the fear-mongering by Donald Trump when he confirms to them that all of their fears are very real and very justified. That it is right to fear non-whites, immigrant invaders, the Press, etc. He reinforces the legitimacy of their fear and counters the dialog coming from the left. What's more, he proclaims with great passion that; "he alone, can fix it". In-fact, all of his convictions are made with great passion. The comparisons between Donald Trump and Jim Jones are absolutely uncanny: Narcissistic, anti social, demands for loyalty, denigration of women, etc. The danger posed by the passion with which he delivers his message to his followers should be terrifying to any reasonable, free thinking American. The control that he has over his followers is certainly not something that should be taken lightly.
If you are seeking answers, I have none. Please take a moment to participate in the poll below.
1: Jim Jones and Donald Trump:
Same Kool-Aid, Different Vat
by Katherine Hill
https://jonestown.sdsu.edu/?page_id=67658