David Brooks says the GOP has changed for the worse, and cannot stand. Back in the day, when he worked for conservative publications, he never heard racist remarks in the workplace or at parties, and the GOP leadership fought fiercely against racism. Since 2005, however, the white identity element of the party, while still not a majority, has increased substantially in size, and now controls the White House. It’s not a pretty sight.
The reality of the situation is much different. I’m willing to accept that Brooks and his former colleagues aren’t racist. However, the GOP has always relied on white nationalist votes during my lifetime; they are (and have been since the 1970’s), in fact, the core of the party in many areas. The PBP faction has used them in order to obtain tax cuts and deregulation for business. The white nationalists (Reactionaries) finally figured out that they weren’t getting anything out of the bargain except some lip service, and demanded change. The Trump presidency is the result of their frustration.
If the Reactionaries ultimately split off from the rest of the party, they will win majorities in most southern states, the remnant GOP will win some western and midwestern states, and the Democrats will prevail everywhere else. There go your big tax cuts! That’s why it probably won’t happen.