Absent Trump, Rubio or Cruz would have been nominated, probably Rubs who the establishment would have much preferred.
Jerm (new, like?) was going nowhere, and I don’t believe for a minute that he would have succeeded if not for Trump’s attacks on him, he wouldn’t have even been the top a-hole candidate, Gay’s itch still would have eclipsed him, and “Stay Puft” wasn’t far behind.
What did Willard do to Palin in 2008? Bad mouth her after being passed over?
Naah, it was going to be El Jebbe. They weren’t going to let Cruz near the nomination. Bubbles would’ve been obliterated as soon as he was exposed for his “preferences.”
As for Willard and Palin, you were here during the farce. You remember he had his paid goons out undermining her at every turn. She alone could’ve won the election for McQueeg despite all attempts to throw it. That couldn’t be permitted.