People's vulnerability to Trump-like figure hasn't changed. What changed is that the institutions of Am. govt./party system legitimized one
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A major party nomination is a powerful thing. Millions of people will instinctively support Trump. Many/most GOP pols will back him.
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General elections can be won and lost on chance swings in the economy or foreign policy crises. There are no guarantees at that point.
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And even if Trump loses, the exits he could prompt from the party could leave his sympathizers with control of a major party going forward
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Trumpism may yet be revealed as cult of personality with no staying power. He has no factional base or issue to realign party over long term
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But no one should be comforted about the point we're at with Trump or what it has revealed about the health of our political system.
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@BrendanNyhan Nightmare scenario for US: Trump & Clinton clinch nominations, then a new scandal or economic crash gives him a chance to win. - Show more
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Brendan Nyhan
Jack Pitney