Prominent Republicans, including congressional leaders, ex-rivals and potential running mates, basked in the energy, and fund-raising, of an outraged base.

It’s being driven by Trump’s authoritarian control over the party

The best example of this is the hapless Senate candidate Larry Hogan, who meekly called on the public to respect the jury verdict; Trump’s campaign manager immediately responded publicly that Hogan’s campaign is “over.” If Trump comes into conflict with the criminal justice system it must be the criminal justice system that’s the problem. That is what he requires of his supporters and that’s what they give him.