In 2016 what is a Republican?

Gary Johnson used to be a Republican when he was governor of New Mexico (1995-2003). Now he's a Libertarian. No doubt, for obvious reasons, this year other Republicans will consider following his example. Some will vote for Johnson. Nobody knows how many. 

After all, what is a Republican in 2016? Today some of the anti-liberals who used to be willing to stand shoulder to shoulder under Ronald Reagan's “big tent” aren't singing in harmony. 

So, how many Libertarian-leaning Republicans will support their presumptive nominee, Donald Trump? How many Christian conservatives will support Trump? How many ultra right-wing ideologues and neoconservatives will support Trump? Can the establishment business wing of the party comfortably support Trump?

As the GOP's convention draws nearer (July 18-21), we'll see. Meanwhile, here's a short list of those groups that will gladly support Trump: 

• Racists of various stripes and those who were birthers, in particular.
• Xenophobes who hate foreigners and Hispanics, in particular. 
• Rush Limbaugh fans who hate his designated “feminazis” and Hillary Clinton, in particular.
• The intolerant fraidy cats who live in fear all Muslims.

Yes, at this point there's a common thread that binds many of Trump's most visible supporters together, but it's not really ideology. It's anger. 

-- Words and art by F.T. Rea