Like her, he substitutes certitude for understanding. Like her, he revels in self-infatuation. Like her, he heaps contempt on his critics. Like her, he exploits a pervasive sense of victimhood among whites who distrust minorities. As with Palin, it’s the distinctive persona and abrasive attitude that attract followers.

They see Trump as a man of great talents who offends the establishment because he understands and speaks for the common folk. Trump supporters don’t care that he has only a shaky grasp of vital issues. Knowledge, many of them obviously believe, is overrated. Ideology is secondary. Gut instincts are what really matter.

That was the appeal of Palin, too. So it was no surprise to see her endorse him. Palin paved the way for a trash-talking narcissist to take over the party. Their partnership was destiny.

William Kristol, editor of the conservative Weekly Standard, wrote recently in opposition to Trump, calling him the “epitome of vulgarity” and his campaign a form of “two-bit Caesarism.” But in the summer of 2008, Kristol called on McCain to choose Palin, who fits the same description.

In wrapping its arms around her, the Republican Party sold its soul. Trump is just here to collect.