Indeed, reactions to Trump have been just as intriguing — and more illuminating — than the man himself. From his supporters, it ranges from surprised glee to Messianic-like adoration (“Only you can save us!” is a constant refrain). From his detractors, it ranges from abhorence to utterly depraved. But Trump is supposed to be the boor, remember? It takes less than five minutes scanning the headlines or Twitter feeds to find the crude and the snide. Like Bush Derangement Syndrome, Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS) is a real phenomenon.

One of the more interesting observations is how Trump rattles the proverbial cages of certain politicians, consultants, and members of the media. Yes, such people often sneer and sometimes fume but mostly they seem mystified, as if staring at Cerberus — the mythical dog from hell — and each of its three heads is speaking a different language. Whether the confusion is real or fake, it demands a response. Like his candidacy and message, Trump is not that complicated to understand.

This odd disconnect between Trump and his more vocal critics piqued my curiosity. Are Republicans so unaccustomed to having a real fighter in their party that they’d rather stick with Candidate Doormat: squishy, polite, and useless? Critics tut-tut Trump’s tone and braggadocio (so mean!). They dismiss his accomplishments (pah, private sector!) and sneer at the way he talks (no gravitas!). He lives, breathes, and speaks like a successful, New York entrepreneur. His is the language of business, not politics, but the two parallel each other in many ways.

Supporters believe his policy proposals will foster the freedoms guaranteed to them by the Constitution. Trump does instinctively understand that the government’s first and most important job is to protect its people. (Maybe it was the four years at military school that influenced his thinking.) It might not be pretty, but they trust he will be effective.