America was built on The Invisible Hand: competing selfish, unregulated exploitation. Those who were successful at it (aggressive, lucky or ignoring rules) love to hear how this will continue for them, so they discredit and despise anyone 'parenting' them(science, education, regulation, standards, safety, etc) . Democrats believe (like preachers) that people want to be 'saved' and that parents and authority figures are respected. With all of the pro-authoritarian, morality rhetoric from the Republicans, their fans only hear what Americans have always adhered to: "We will wreck the system so you can continue to play and be bullies the ways you've always done. Democrats will try to protect people from you and make you do your homework".

Trump is the poster child Tom Sawyer: The asshole's asshole who gets away with everything and pulls the fire alarm to get out of tests. Republicans and media will gladly trade their rat on a string (advertising) for a chance to paint a section of border fence.