The core reason for why Donald Trump specifically is so beloved by Republican voters...

[DTomlinson]

...is that he publicly, proudly, shamelessly validates their bigotry, and in a way that is entertaining to Republicans.

This, above all else, distinguished him from the rest of the pack in 2016. He's a total celebrity caricature - who says directly to Republican voters, "You are right to be racist. You are right to be misogynistic. You are right to hate Muslims and immigrants. You should not be ashamed of that - you should EMBRACE that!" The embarrassed bigot no longer needs to be embarrassed.

I'm not saying anything new, of course, but this has to be emphasized: Trump tells them that their hatred is valid and good. That's why they'll never abandon him.

"I am your voice!"

[Laelth]

1. He's an A-hole. They love that.

-Laelth

[FM123]

2. Yep.

And they are addicted to how he makes them feel, about themselves. There is no such thing as too much, only more.

[Walleye]

3. But he also says it's OK to lie cheat and steal