At a community fund-raising event in Navarro, the small town south of Dallas where he lives, local Democrats mocked Mr. Foreman over Mr. Trump’s comments. Mr. Foreman told me on Saturday that he was still willing to “take a gamble” on Mr. Trump — but also that he was reserving judgment. It could be make or break.”The crisis now facing the Republican Party has few precedents but was as predictable as it is dire. Like that of Mr. Berlusconi, Mr. Trump’s unlikely rise is the product of years of unresolved political contradictions. Whatever happens to Mr. Trump’s candidacy, the more lasting question may be what becomes of the cheering crowds drawn to his populist brand.

Source: New York Times October 09, 2016 18:56 UTC