Intellectual Conservatism was/is never going to be embraced by the majority. That’s not knocking it. But it’s an intellectual set of principles that scholars and political junkies like those of us on Free Republic, may embrace but whose academic subtleties don’t interest most of the public - many who may, nevertheless, ultimately agree with most of its principles.
Reagan himself built a coalition that included people who didn’t consider themselves conservatives but nevertheless supported his foreign and economic policies. In a way, Trump has followed the same playbook, but to a much greater degree. The America of 40 years ago was more conservative across the board so in that regard, Reagan’s task was easier.
Trump has found a way to build a coalition by connecting to a vast segment of the population that Republican’s never seriously courted. Trump was successful because he spoke directly instead of through insincere political speak.
Reagan attracted The Scoop Jackson Democrats, who were basically kicked out of the Pro-Soviet Democratic Party.