Trump is the closest thing to a pure Reactionary candidate we have seen in my lifetime, although his position on tax cuts for the wealthy and deregulation is PBP-friendly, and his interest in social issues is glaringly muted. How will the different factions respond to him as the nominee?
- The Conservative Libertarians are a relatively principled group who will have enormous problems with a number of Trump’s positions. Many of them will vote for Gary Johnson.
- The Reactionaries are, of course, a solid block for Trump. A few religious conservatives will be appalled by him and will stay home in November.
- Most PBPs will support him. Some women who are turned off by his attitudes towards women will vote for Clinton, as will a handful of businessmen with strong vested interests in free trade.
- Most of the Christian Democrats will vote for Clinton. Some of them will leave the party permanently. The few that stay and support Trump will do so primarily based on his opposition to abortion.