I am a NeverTrump...although certainly not one of the ivory tower, gilded variety the author speaks of. I also wholeheartedly agree with how the author describes Republicans of the last 100 years. I also believe that Trump, if he is not wholly successful, will do lasting if not permanent damage to conservatism.
And ultimately that is what it now comes down to, if he is wholly successful he could go down as a truly great president...however unfortunately because of some rather nasty little character flaws, he can’t stop stepping on his own d!ck and get out of his own way. Thus, I think ultimately, because of those same flaws he will undermine himself, end up not being wholly successful and then in giving uneccessary ammunition to the other side will damage conservatism long term.
I try to live my life in as moral and upstanding fashion as possible, how Trump has led his, how he has acted throughout his, the fact that he has been a NY liberal for most of his life is wholly anathema to me...
BUT, I give him great credit for that which he has done, and there are many things, far more than i would’ve ever thought...just think what he could do if he would just stop the perpetual ammunition resupply to the other side.