Trumpism is not byproduct of Obama era. In fact the mother of Trumpism, tea party went on work before Obama had a chance to step in the office.
The economic crisis of later years of bush, the widening gap between 1%ers and disfranchised peaked in 2007-2008, gave a ground for economic justice movements. While Democrats spent their energy in suppressing the flag bearers of the movement in their side, republicans allowed and embraced the growth this populist movement within themselves.
the right’s problem with Obama was his skin color foremost, before he had any chance to implement his plan, which was actually saving a capitalist system at the verge of collapse.
the right incorporated race and hate issues into their strategy of redirecting economical justice issues. The racial and ethnic hate was their driving engine.Birther movement was in place when Obama came to political prominence and a candidate and not after his presidency. The ground work was in place.
it is plausible that some Obama voters turned trump voters. Their agenda was ignored by DNC and a illusive populist movement, having stolen some messages from left and superficially presenting them as their own now looked attractive.
This is not unusual at all. History shows that right and populist movements have been able to steal left’s agenda, disarm them , increase their Own base by depopulating opposition’s base and then redirect the message for their own political/ economic goals. Review Europe of 30s, growth And power grab of fascist movements. Even in our own modern history, we saw a glimpse of that in Ahmadinejad’s first run or how Kennedy imposed “ white revolution” on shah , stealing some of Tudeh parties platform but redirecting it to practically eliminate British favored feudal base and build a pro us small dependent to US capitalist base.
The legitimate economic justice demands of hard working people Of US was now in hands and control of The group that widened the economic gaps, gave the most generous tax breaks to billionaires and corporations And was unable to make any significant change to the working class but put a smile on their face because their pay check showed 20$ less taken off on taxes ( which they would end up paying at the end of year any way).
so in away, yes some trump supporters could have been potentially Obama or even sanders voters. Many common messages on the surface. But Obama and sanders could not have and would not have the ability of rejuvenating “ white nationalism”.