....”Trump is right about keeping his leverage. He is fighting against the GOPe”....
Yes....and because has that leverage they do not know what to do about Trump but to ride him down via media in view of the audience...which thus far has worked to Trumps advantage.
However this is not sustainable throughout the election cycle....the public gets bored pretty quick and why I think Trump ditched his top man....game change coming for sure.
The GOPe underestimates the disgust and anger the public has for the political class. We have the ludicrous situation of Trump, the billionaire, being the Everyman fighting against the political class Leviathan. He has become the main vehicle to sticking to the GOPe. The transparent attempt to destroy during the first debate only helped Trump.
IMO Trump is going to get better in the debates and on the stump. He is learning as he goes. Trump not only has money, he also has free media coverage and name recognition gained thru 12 years as a reality TV star. Many people have formed a connection to him, even it is subliminally. It didn't hurt Reagan to be a movie star.
As the number of candidates are winnowed down, the combat will get more intense. There literally is a battle for the heart and soul of the GOP. The GOPe is pitted against the rest of us. Trump is not part of the GOPe nor is Cruz. All the rest with the possible exception of Jindal are. I know what side I am on.