Quote Originally Posted by ReluctantSamurai View Post
I would put that the other way around---it's beyond the Republicans, it's the Trump way. If Fearless Leader had scared the Be-Jezus out of everyone back when he was interviewing with Woodward, much of this Covid Idiocy doesn't happen. The GOP has long since surrendered any semblance of being it's own conservative entity, and simply licks Trump's boot-heels for whatever he says or wants. If he had come out for wearing a mask and social distancing from the start, the GOP would've fell into line.
I don't think it is that one way.

The "religious right" get their Federal Judges. They know he's dreadful but they're life appointments
The very rich have got their tax breaks. Sure, he's scum but money is money.
The white racists have got it as good as they'll ever get it. Yeah he has a long history of being a racist so they can see a kindred spirit.
The second amendment-maxers have broadly not had any issues with gun control so they're happy.
Individuals in the Senate know what the polls say about how their constituents will vote. And therefore will play to keep their seat. The only "rebels" are from states that are Republican but don't like the President


Each group above might love, despise or be indifferent to Dopey Donnie and don't have to agree with each other either. But they all are very aware that their interests are closest to him than anyone else.

All the above groups probably in the main don't have a fixed view on the whole mask / COVID thing. And so probably would have followed his lead.