But here's the rub -- they did believe he is/was electable. In fact, most believe he was going to win in a landslide. And that happened because they were prisoners of the exact same self-delusion as are so many conservatives: the false (though infinitely comforting) belief that they really represent a "silent majority". That somehow, that great mass of people who don't vote in most election will just magically come out for "their guy", because all those non-voters have been waiting for all along is someone who sees things the way they do. It's such an easy thing to believe because it is impossible to prove false.
The hard-core Trump supporters, the third-party conservatives, the green-leaning leftists, the Perotistas...it's all the same. All operate under the delusion that there is a "silent majority" out there who will come out for their candidate if only the candidate remains pure and true to their beliefs.
@Maj. Bill Martin I don't know that even if we nominated a solid conservative candidate that the candidate would have won. Regardless who won the primary, they would have an uphill battle. With a deteriorating culture, with more and more people at the government trough, and demographics, I am and was then fully aware what we, as conservatives, are up against. You are absolutely correct that people tend to think the rest of the country sees things through their own eyes. And, if you do that, you don't think you have to teach as everyone agrees with you so there's no need to. The reality is, conservatives are in for a long, tough haul. But, I believe conservative values and political positions are the superior ones and I plan on fighting for them
We can't say for sure what the election results would be if a Cruz or Rubio was running. And I believe both are electable. But it doesn't mean I think they were shoe ins. But it's clear, at least for the moment, what the results will be with Trump running.
BTW, I enjoy your posts. Very reasoned and matter of fact.