Also, both Reagan and Trump are good at arguing on their own terms, not allowing the media, and therefore the left, to define the debate. Bypassing the media and talking directly to the electorate. Also, not beholden to monied cronies and hesitancy to rock the political boat that country club R’s have.
We just came up with a couple of reasons why the two elections are alike and I think there are many more. Both are huge populists, etc., etc.
Perhaps the smartest tactic that Trump used was not portraying himself as a conservative. He took plenty shots as an anti-establishment candidate, but it allowed him to pick up those Reagan Dems he needed to win.
The libs don’t really hate or fear him because Trump is racist— they fear him because he is highly successful and intelligent. Unlike the gov’t hacks and boobs on their side of the aisle.