My wife and I recently watched a documentary on a bunch of current televangelists in the USA. Even though poorly produced, the documentary showed a pattern. These conmen (and conwoman) are able to convince thousands and thousands and thousands of people to send lots of money. And somehow the donors can justify the lavish lifestyle these preachers have.

When much of the country can be swayed in this way, it's not hard to see part of the reason for the Trump phenomenon.