Was Trump tougher to beat in 2020 than he was in 2016

[mileslunn]

2016 was easier as a lot of Republicans disliked Trump and initially said they wouldn't vote for him, but when push came to shove, many decided to give him a chance hoping he would mature on the job and also appoint good people.  When he failed to do that, some of the reluctant Republicans left.  Also Biden has less negative baggage than Clinton so I think many never Trumpers went for Johnson as disliked Trump but Clinton was a bridge too far, while Biden they could vote for.

Yes Trump did surprisingly well showing how strong his base is, but at end of day unlike previous presidents, he did nothing to try and expand that.  Fact is GOP base on its own is quite resilient so a competent leader could easily pick up the few percentage points they need to win, but Trump doubled down and failed to do that. 

Finally GOP wins when Democrats stay home and Trump was so awful to many Democrats that even many who disliked Biden showed up to get rid of Trump.  Whereas in 2016 some Sander's supporters might have bought idea both were equally bad and it didn't matter whereas by 2020 they didn't feel that way.