[j.havenfarm]

I agree - this is wishful thinking by people who don't realize how Ryan has enraged the base. I am not a Trump guy. I share a lot of people's concerns about his commitment to conservatism, but also share glee at his taking on the government and media elites. My choices were Walker, and before he proved himself not ready for primtime, Carson. Now, if I could anoint a candidate, it would be Cruz, though I cannot help but think the Gop-e would be successful in sabotaging him. I think Trump's going to take it fair and square. I'm ready to get on board.

[Bernard]

And I agree with you - idle speculation would be better served by coming up with a list of prominent establishment Republicans who HAVE NOT enraged the base. It feels like the professionals still don’t get it. Those are the ones who will be mouthing “Trump will fold” all the way up to the nomination vote, and then the general election itself.