While I don't hold that statement to be axiomatic, you and I both know that any Republican starts with a nearly insurmountable disadvantage. Therefore, we do need a candidate that will connect with America, above and beyond any personal sense wanting to correct a political wrong or as a salve to one's ego.
IMO, this is a national life or death struggle. If Trump, fantastic. If it genuinely and honestly looks like Trump is not the best hope for the general election, he must step aside for the good of the country.
“we do need a candidate that will connect with America...”
Well, if you have the base of the party loyal first and foremost, then you want to go and grab those independents.
But if you don’t have Trump as the candidate, you’ve lost the base, and nothing else will matter.