These people make a lot more sense when you model them the same way you model a commercial. Their owners pay a lot of money to get them in front of the camera, and get the things they say into the public discussion - to pretend these things have public support.
Ten years ago, the entire GOP leadership sounded and looked like Nikki Haley. Now, the base has rejected them, and we're even seeing cracks among congressmen. The debates have gone from the default thing for any Republican to watch to a borderline infomercial, with similar audience enthusiasm and viewership.
I know freaks like Pence think they'll be safe somewhere else when their patrons are no longer in power, but will anywhere on Earth really be safe for them once the Epstein videos get around?