WS Chronicle

By Mabra Holeyfield

It is estimated that Trump’s base is about 30% of American voters. It is apparent that this base support will stick with him no matter what he does. The question is why? 

To answer this question, you have to understand what happened within the Republican party prior to the 2016 elections. After losing twice to Barack Obama, the Republican establishment felt that it was essential that the Republican party expand its base in order to win future elections. Specifically, they wanted to target Hispanics. Most Hispanics are Catholic and are conservative on certain social issues important to Republicans. 

When Donald Trump descended the escalator in Trump Tower and announced his candidacy for the presidency, he made it clear that he also wanted to target Hispanics. He wanted to stop them from entering this country and he wanted to deport those who were here illegally. He also wanted to stop Muslims and other non-whites from entering America. 

With that message, he laid waste to 16 other Republican candidates that were far more experienced and qualified than he was. In 2002, Pat Buchannan, a well-known conservative, authored a book titled, “The Death of the West.” In it, he details how a civilization, culture and moral order are passing away and foresees a new world order that has terrifying implications. “The Death of the West” was called a timely, provocative study that asked the question that quietly troubles millions: Is the America we grew up in gone forever? 

Those millions are no longer quiet. In 2016, only one candidate spoke to their concern about immigration and the browning of America. I doubt that he actually read Pat Buchannan’s book, but he got the message. His supporters understand that the Russians helped him in 2016 and are hoping that they do it again in 2020. 

Mabra Holeyfield is a businessman and the author of the book “Use What You Got.” He can be reached at mholeyfield@banksandholeyfield.com.