John McCain was the "designated loser" in 2008. He was supposed to lose to Obama, and he (McCain) knew that.
Mitt Romney was also a designated loser, but they (the establishment) didn't tell him that. Romney was delusional enough to think they might let him win.
Jeb Bush was supposed to be the designated loser this time around, but Trump came in and spoiled everything for them, exposing Jeb as the real loser that he is.
I think you’re correct on those. I’ll say one thing about Trump - if he wins I will once again believe that we have free and fair elections in the US. I do not believe that the 2012 election was free and fair. 2008 possibly was even though there was a large amount of fraud.
A very big highlight of this campaign season for sure is the Bush's might be gone for good. They will/have lost control of the party and that is a good thing.
Next up the Clintons, the D's have mental problems so they may never figure it out.