A common parlor game here in Washington – one that has been played since 2016 – is “when will the GOP base break from Trump?” It didn’t happen with the Access Hollywood tape. Or the travel ban. Or Charlottesville. But, what about immigration? After all, his hardline approach on immigration was his core campaign message. His willingness to negotiate with House minority leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer on a DACA fix has already drawn blowback from his hardcore allies like Breitbart, Rush Limbaugh and Laura Ingraham.
However, these frustrated immigration hardliners may soon find out what many frustrated establishment GOPers have been grappling with since 2016: on many key issues, the base takes its cues from Trump – not from the party, its leaders, or even its agitators. Where Trump leads, his party will follow. CONT.
Amy Walter, Cook Political Report