If you analyze the present dynamic as a manifestation of class conflict, everything falls into place. As for the "crazy base", that was an attempt by the class leadership to enlist a popular front to replace the bottom strata of their own ranks, now decimated by changing demographics and economics and an increasing level of education and information access in the masses..

But now, the base is involved in a struggle for supremacy with the leadership, the "establishment" can no longer control their "street fightin' men".

There is historical precedent for this, it has happened before. It could get ugly.