Here is the thing about Trump: he does not have the Barry Goldwater/Ronald Reagan/Bill Buckley handbook understanding of conservatism.
Instead, he has an intuitive and instinctual grasp of what EMBODIES most of what I call “American Conservatism.” That is, national self preservation (like Washington and Hamilton and Lincoln and TR) which is not Reagan’s ideological war on communism. However, in contrast to Reagan, who did not “get” the Islamic threat until 1986 or 87, Trump got it immediately. He may not be able to philosophically elaborate what is wrong with Islam, but knows it’s a threat and that we need to stop it “until we figure out what’s going on.”
Trump is a true “free trader” like Washington and Lincoln and TR in that the RULES applying to both sides must be equal. I could go on.
What is clear is that the remaining “neverTrump” holdouts fall into one of two categories: 1) the big government at-the-trough guys who see their very livelihood, access, and social position in jeapordy and 2) the hard line social conservatives who deep down resent Trump’s divorces and wealth and status and think such a Philistine who cites “Two Corinthians” can’t possibly lead a serious counter-revolution. (Here I think mostly of David Limbaugh).
The first group needs to just be crushed and flushed. They will never help achieve any lasting change.
SOME of the second group need to be convinced by actions, though unfortunately most will just be vindictively waiting for the “SEE? I told you moment.”
The new Trump coalition must be big and strong enough to overcome both of these subgroups.
The second group "the hard line social conservatives who deep down resent Trump’s divorces and wealth and status and think such a Philistine who cites “Two Corinthians” can’t possibly lead a serious counter-revolution. (Here I think mostly of David Limbaugh)." seem to be in conflict with what I consider true Christian and conservative (don't envy success) values.
My support of Trump is both gut level (The general is a winner) and analytical - his common sense values and boldness in advocating them makes perfect sense and are desperately needed.