Like Ronald Reagan, Trump loves to swagger; it’s his stock in trade. Unlike Reagan, however, he spends a substantial amount of his time whining about the “rigged” system, or the “deep state,” or whatever he thinks is afflicting him at any given time. The billionaire son of a millionaire developer clearly believes the system is designed to be unfair to him. He’s a victim, just like his constituents.
That’s pathetic, of course, but it reflects the changing times. When Reagan was in office, the Reactionaries were confident that they were the moral majority. Today, they’re looking for the Benedict option, or for a Cyrus the Great to protect them from the growing hordes of the unholy. As a result, they love Trump almost as much when he whines as when he swaggers; it’s his way of feeling their pain.