Have to say, the argument in the book sounds familiar.
I remember analysis of Latin American countries that broke down in similar ways, along the line of primary, secondary and tertiary support.
That aside, it does give an interesting lens through which to look at the Trump administration.
The tax reform was key. For true believers: any tax cut is a good one; this policy certainly qualifies. Most of the money goes to the top; those in the population much like Trump...imagine that.
The lower fruit are any policies that overturn anything Obama did.

The message is clear; if you want to redistribute wealth, that's ok just so long as it goes to the right people. Further, deficits are not a problem in the service of the "correct" people.