If enough reps get the message that Trump wants him gone, he’ll be gone. Are you really expecting me to believe that Ryan-Walker-Priebus were NOT behind that Billy Bush video? When their responses were so quick and coordinated? Do you think we’ll forget that treachery? The reason Preibus got this secretarial position is so the the real powers can keep an eye on these despicable, cowardly Wisconsins.
I do believe Paul Ryan thought the tape eliminated Trump's chances. But I also think that makes him gutless. Democrats stick together regardless, while Republicans scatter.
As far as Trump influencing the Speaker's vote - you may be right. The situation may be such that Trump can make a difference in the vote, but I also think that really poisons the water whether or not Ryan wins. I think far more influential are the reps' constituents. If enough reps get the message that their constituents want Ryan gone, then he will no longer be Speaker - and that is fine with me. I want Ryan gone myself.
He is not the leader the House needs at the moment. Let him return to the Budget committee, which is a job he loved and let him do that and let another member lead. I'm sure Ryan's constituents are happy with him and that's fine, but I want someone else to be Speaker.
I just don't think Trump himself can boss around so many reps that have major egos themselves. That is because the Speaker's vote is an intramural contest and the vote is personal to the reps. This is the person THEY want to lead them, while Trump's choice is secondary to them. Most all of the reps do not owe Trump anything. They were there before Trump was and many will be there after Trump leaves office.
A call from a reps' constituent is more effective in conveying that message. My rep is hopeless and loves Ryan, but I will try anyway.
On a larger point, I am really with you. Ryan really needs to go. Ryan really isn't a leader. I must confess that I am a later Trumpster. I will say it was only about two months ago that I recognized Trump as a leader. I'm not sure why it took so long for me to understand that, but it did. It took me that long to understand that Trump is the only person that can actually make a change in Washington, so I do want someone as Speaker who can push it along.
So, whatever it takes. I can see Trump talking with Ryan and ask him to think about dropping out if Trump does not think Ryan has it.
I don't know who wants to be Speaker. I have not seen any names in the press and I recall that no one wanted it after Boehner. Ryan had to be pressured to take the job.
Anyway, this is a very long and meandering way to say I am with you on this, but not certain how it is going to get done.