I think there are a sizable number of “establishment Republicans” who would strongly prefer being the minority opposition to Obama than having to give up control of their party to the “rabble” represented by grassroots conservatives.
I hope my nightmare scenario does not come to pass.
My nightmare scenario is that Romney and Palin will split the anti-Obama vote (with one of them running as a third party candidate) and Obama will win again.Very early in the primary season, one or more of the Republican candidates should call on ALL Republican candidates to take the No Third Party Pledge.
By running in the Republican Primary I hereby pledge not to later run as a third party candidate or as a write-in candidate.
Severely castigate and refuse to debate with those who don't take the pledge.