The Republican party (vs "conservatism") is in a slow and gradual decline. It's not an overnight "all republicans are radicals" but the victimization mentality that's been going on for decades in certain sectors, and the "we're in a war for our soul" punditry right-wing echo chamber.

"The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind" is one of my go-to references here, that book describes very well what I've seen in my friends and family.

> I can assure you that "$foo racial group are all illegitimate and if we can reeducate them or get rid of them it will all get better" is not a path that has historically led to peace.

For instance, if one were to point out that this was the policy of the US itself for westward expansion, Republicans would likely complain about un-patriotic America-hating because so many people have lost the ability to hold a more nuanced position beyond "AMERICA GOOD."