I've spent a LOT of time observing this and trying to get my head around this -- because what has happened here is some kind of a reflection of who we are, sociologically, anthropologically -- and I have to admit that I go back and forth on it.
On one hand, there is a percentage of them who really do think that he is a brilliant, strong, patriotic, self-made Christian man who is as honest as the day is long. I don't know if their subconscious tells them otherwise, but it really does appear that they believe this. There are a lot of them on this board. I've posted clips of these people at rallies talking about him like their beloved father and protector. They adore him at an intensity usually saved for cult leaders.
On the other hand, you're right, We have to believe that, while they won't go after him publicly, many of them know and see what he is. Since their voices are so rarely heard, maybe they stay in the background because he pushes their deepest (even secret) wishes, attacks a system they believe has victimized them, and owns the libs.
So my ongoing question is, what percentage of the party is the first group, what percentage of the party is the second group, and what does that tell us about who we are?