Jeri... the problem started when the Republican candidates in 2016 were such a motley crew that they couldn't figger out how to cope with Trump's appeal to the baser instincts of the party. Several of them clearly stated how unappealing he was, but the problem was exacerbated when he actually sneaked in and their tone changed to obsequious nonsense and began giving them presents of judges and legislative coups. By the time his weaknesses were obvious, there was no way to gracefully back down and return to their pre-nomination positions.

... and maybe the problem 'started' with the Dixiecrats in the 60s..or with Karl Rove's plan to establish a can't-lose Republican dynasty.. or maybe there's a way to explain Trump with a metaphor about this virus sneaking in when people were careless ... or...or... or...