Why are Republicans/Conservatives embracing fanaticalism these days?
America has always rejected fanaticism, especially since WWII. We are supposed to be E pluribus unum -- out of many, ONE. Now, the right wants America to be E unum pluribus -- out of ONE, many.
American values aren't important to them. They want different things. A strong leader, be heard, simple truths and/or some people below them to hate and pick on.