“The term “the base” suggests a core - a minority. The traditional political theory in which Conservatives need to moderate”
I certainly don’t think the conservative base needs to moderate. The conservative base includes conservative who suport Trump, DeSantis, and other conservatives. All conservatives should put the conservative cause and winning first and foremost. That’s all I’m saying.
I agree… winning is everything. The question is how.
Many believe the percentage of Americans who are true conservatives is very small - like 15-20% - so we need to build a coalition with moderates in order to get past the magic 50% required to win.
Others believe the percentage of Americans who are true conservatives is much higher - 65-75%. Really, anyone who works hard, has a family to protect and loves their liberty - would naturally be conservative if not for all the deception.
But many Americans have been so thoroughly deceived that their conservatism is often not reflected in how they vote.