Most pundits assumed the Trump phenomenon would eventually run into a ditch, based on the fate of the fairly similar Pat Buchanan campaign (remember “peasants with pitchforks?”) in 1996. It hasn’t happened, and here’s why:
1. The problems created by globalization and technological change are much worse now than they were in 1996. Chinese imports and Indian call centers were just a blip on the radar during the Buchanan campaign.
2. Trump isn’t a culture warrior. His lifestyle prevents him from moralizing about the sixties, which increases his pool of potential voters.
3. The GOP establishment was discredited by George W. Bush. No elaboration required.
4. The white working class Reactionaries have become Republicans. What is happening now is essentially a hostile takeover of the GOP by people who prefer swaggering government to limited government. The likelihood of the creation of a third party is increasing by the day.