Central to the grift is that no matter what sin you committed or how many of them, you can be saved by accepting whatever it is they say you have to accept. The prospect expands the field of potential marks exponentially. It's brilliant really. That's why evangelical leaders adore him. If a thrice-married, lying, thieving, whoremongering conman can come around to their side, so can you. As for the rank and file, they see him as a hero being attacked by everything that threatens them and their beliefs -- liberals, hippies, black people, Mexicans, women, gays, scientists, smart people.