Can American conservatism survive intact & unadulterated?

[GGT]

.... The real debate should be Libertarian vs Authoritarian. Not every issue you will be in favor of more or less government control but in general people should pick what they think is best. Government control over you or not.

Did Trump win the (R) party nomination because he appealed to Libertarian values? Or was it because a majority of (R) voters actually wanted an Authoritarian who promised to support "conservative values"?

Not too long ago Trump being the (R) presidential nominee stunned practically everyone, including many Republicans! But they circled the wagons to elect "a" Republican, knowing full-well Trump was a RINO, an Authoritarian, hoping he'd surround himself with experienced staff, cabinet, and diplomats who'd control the Vulgarian's impulsive streak and childish tantrums. Trump would become presidential once he was in the WH, and wouldn't continue to act like a reality TV show host, a bankrupt NY real estate or casino developer, or a grifter. Remember that?

Well, now that those hopes have been proven wrong, why is there still so much silence from the Republican leadership? What will WAKE them from their collective coma?

[Lewkowski]

Did Trump win the (R) party nomination because he appealed to Libertarian values? Or was it because a majority of (R) voters actually wanted an Authoritarian who promised to support "conservative values"?

Not too long ago Trump being the (R) presidential nominee stunned practically everyone, including many Republicans! But they circled the wagons to elect "a" Republican, knowing full-well Trump was a RINO, an Authoritarian, hoping he'd surround himself with experienced staff, cabinet, and diplomats who'd control the Vulgarian's impulsive streak and childish tantrums. Trump would become presidential once he was in the WH, and wouldn't continue to act like a reality TV show host, a bankrupt NY real estate or casino developer, or a grifter. Remember that?

Well, now that those hopes have been proven wrong, why is there still so much silence from the Republican leadership? What will WAKE them from their collective coma?

Trump appealed to a few different groups of people. I'm not blind to the fact that there are plenty of Conservatives who are authoritarian. Our Conservative/Liberal divide is schizo. There are Conservatives who believe in small government and then their are others who think we should create moral laws that people must follow. There are Liberals who believe in personal liberty who think big brother should put taxes on soda and french fries.

Many people did NOT think he would suddenly become 'presidential' when he got into office.

As far as silence there have been plenty of people on the Right who have spoken out about Trump. It isn't all or nothing though. One can cheer his judicial appointments while condemning his tariffs. One can celebrate the Republicans tax legislation while being irritated at his stupid tweets.

Bottom line is if we had Hillary as president we wouldn't be uncovering the corruption of the FBI. If we had Hillary as president we would have a liberal majority on the Supreme Court. If we had Hillary as president we would have higher taxes. So yeah *on the balance* I'd still rather have Trump and all his embarrassing warts than a liberal like Clinton.

[GGT]

...As far as silence there have been plenty of people on the Right who have spoken out about Trump. It isn't all or nothing though. One can cheer his judicial appointments while condemning his tariffs. One can celebrate the Republicans tax legislation while being irritated at his stupid tweets.

Where are these 'plenty of people' in congress? Besides those retiring (not worried about re-election) there's been little or no push-back, not even when criticism is warranted. Aimless said it well enough, though.

The latest debacle with Trump's "Zero Tolerance" policy on the southern border woke some 'conservatives' from their coma, but the damage already done is massive. Trump doesn't believe in the Rule of Law or due process, let alone civil rights, so it will be up to Republicans -- including conservatives -- to keep his nativist, tribalist, authoritarian nature in check. I'm skeptical about that, since the GOP has become the Party of Trump.