Democratic strategist David Axelrod believes that GOP presidential front-runner Donald Trump has dominance of the Republican Party within his grasp.

“Relentlessly edgy, confrontational and contemptuous of the niceties of governance and policy making, Mr. Trump is the perfect counterpoint to a president whose preternatural cool and deliberate nature drives his critics mad,” he said.

“The Republican base is infuriated by Mr. Obama’s activist view of government and progressive initiatives, from health care reform and immigration, gay rights to climate change,” Axelrod continued.

“Beyond specific issues, however, many Republicans view dimly the very qualities that played so well for Mr. Obama in 2008,” he added. "Deliberation is seen as hesitancy; patience as weakness.

“His call for tolerance and passionate embrace of America’s growing diversity inflame many in the Republican base, who view with suspicion and anger the rapidly changing demographics of America. The president’s emphasis on diplomacy is viewed as appeasement.”

Axelrod added that Trump may “stumble” should Americans tire of his bombast or fail to actually turn out to vote. […]

H/T: The Hill

Axelrod knows darn well, the Repub base Hates the President, first and foremost, because he's African-American.

But I do agree with him on the other related reasons Repub voters oppose the President.

Re: Conservatism

The truth is, based on all that I've read (and learned) in recent years about *Conservatism*……

I'd say, the GOP is NOT now…nor has it actually been…a "Conservative" party since BEFORE Reagan's first term as President in 1980. Since then Conservatism has devolved into Republicanism. And now from Republicansim to "Trumpism."

I would also suggest that today's Republican party, as we have known it, is effectively dead regardless of who wins the GOP presidential nomination. I don't think it will ever be the same again. The fighting factions are cutting deep and drawing a lot of blood.

And Repub elites have themselvs to thank for that.

DJ: "What’s an old guard Republican to do?"

Give each other High-5s for "mission accomplished." Repub rank and file voters are displaying EXCATLY the kind of personal qualities old guard Repubs have spent at least 35-40 yrs, and a lot of money, teaching them. Indeed, Trump embodies all that the base has been taught.

DJ: "why stay in a burning building?"

Because THAT bulding…their party…is the very building they spent decades saturating with gasoline. Why run from it now that Trump has come along and set fire to it?! Nooo. Stay and watch it "BURN BABY BURN!"

Word to Repub elites: Evil is NOT a toy to be played with. You cynically sold your soul for votes, money, position and power —by ANY means necessary and no matter the costs. You gave no thought as to how such reprehensible actions could backfire on You and Us (the entire nation). You didn't care. And you still don't.

Again I say: Donald Trump IS You.