I think part of the problem is that they tie themselves to the concept of family values and religion. In faith, people are asked to believe and that is what they feel comfortable doing-- they trust and believe in Donald Trump and the Republican party.
I have often thought for years that poor white peopel and poor Black people have more in common than those at the top of the socioeconomic pecking order. That's why I wish that racism would just stop because they use it as a tool to keep people separated.
They have these people fighting against their own social security benefits, healthcare, and increased wages. That is why, to me, it is a modern day cult.