I think you have a very wrong take on Donald Trump, if you think he would ever enter into anything with the intension of losing. As early as 1988 Trump told Oprah Winfrey that he if ever ran for President: “I think I’d win. I’ll tell you what, I wouldn’t go in to lose. I’ve never gone in to lose in my life.” I’ve read up on Trump, and the conspiracy theory that you are suggesting goes against Trump’s fundamental nature to always strive to be a “winner.” He sees himself as king of the castle; that’s the way he is—not the second fiddle player or someone who would lie down for anyone.
As far as the GOP is concerned, we have a situation right now where a tiny segment of the party has run it like a tyranny for years now, while mostly ignoring the base that puts them in power. Even if Trump loses I think his destruction of the GOP establishment would still make him one of the greatest candidates of all time. If the base finally gets control of the party because primarily the way that he’s shaken things up, then frankly I think even one term of Hillary would be worth it. I think he stands a very good chance of winning though, so hopefully we can stamp out the GOPe and Hillary at the same time. I wouldn’t say he’s destroying the party, so much as saving it.
Thanks Babbitt for a reasonable and thoughtful response.