1/2 The Republican party of the last century is simply gone. Trump is a third party candidate who assumed the label and trappings of the old Republicans. His voters understand this, and are voting against both the Dems and the old Republicans, neither of whom they believe served their interests.

2/2 Old Republican office holders realise their only chance to hold their position is to swear fealty to this new party. People like me are being confused by the labels.