Many life-long conservatives did not attend this year's conference, dominated as it was by non-conservatives, namely: populists, nationalists, trade protectionists and alt-Right creeps.
From what little I saw of the event, they were wise to do so. Donald Trump nonetheless maintains the cautious and nervous support of many among those conservatives, which is understandable given the rabid and destructive nature of the opposition on the Left.
I don't like Trump, but I voted for him. To avoid something worse, Hillary. I am always faithful to my motto of voting for the least worst candidate.... that was Trump.
Now, do I oppose Trump on many of things he's proposing? No, I support him when he's right, and oppose him when he's wrong.
In general, Trump so far has more positives than bad. Trying to keep out dangerous aliens is something to support him on. But I oppose his dumb trade and deficit positions.
But in the end, if Trump doesn't win over the majority of the country to conservatism, he has failed. Because after he is gone, if a sizable pct. of the voters are not attracted to conservatism, we will go back on the Marxist-Obama path.
That is the biggest fault of Trump....even his biggest boosters (Limbaugh, Hannity) admit that he is not a conservative. And they are right....he is a populist, quasi-demagogue. So what will the picture of the party be in four or eight years of Trump as it looks to the average voter? That is what I am most concerned about.
Right now, for good or bad, Trump is the picture of the party. With his current behavior I don't believe he will be able to get younger voters to turn conservative no matter what good policies (that I support) he pursues now.