I really think the GOPe won't mind losing in that result as they remain in control of the party for the longterm. Most of their big money people win with either Democrat or Republican in office so they might not really care in the end.
Personally, I think Trump will stay in as a Republican, and choose Cruz as a running mate, and win in a landslide. But I see the Independent option as equally promising.
No matter who the Republican candidate would be, a third party Trump means hello President Hillary.
What would a 3-way race look like?
More like Clinton/Bush or Clinton/Rubio vs Trump/Cruz
either way,it’s gonna be FUN!
Maybe a 4-way race. Remember, Jim Webb is thinking of running as an independent.
Unless he (or another candidate) wins an outright majority, the decision goes to the House of Representatives to choose among the top 3, each state voting as one. This is a built-in advantage for the "party" candidates, as it's likely that the party that controls each state's House delegation will vote for the party's nominee and not an independent.
The Senate picks the VP from the top 2, each Senator having one vote.
What if the Dhimmicraps take back the Senate? (I don't think they will, but as long as we're "what-iffing"...)
We could have a President and Vice President from different parties for teh first time since 1800.