NEWSLANC EDITOR UPDATE, AUGUST 5TH: We were mistaken or mis-advised when we reported below that the RNC has the power to replace a candidate if he/ she withdraws, is incapacitated or otherwise. According to the Wall Street Journal “The party’s Rule 9 states that the party has the power “to fill any and all vacancies which may occur by reason of death, declination, or otherwise.” We apologize for our error.
By Robert Field
Those who follow NewsLanc may recall how we climbed out on a limb a few weeks before the Republican National Convention to predict that delegates would be allowed to vote their conscience and that Mitt Romney would be chosen as the Republican Presidential candidate.
We were wrong on our timing, but may be right on the outcome.
With Donald Trump’s belittling war heroes, refusing to endorse Paul Ryan and John McCain for their forthcoming primaries, prominent Republican elected officials and financial backers disassociating themselves, the discussion on the morning shows is that the RNC is talking about replacing Trump as the party’s candidate.
According to the RNC by-laws, they have wide discretion to do so. And the logical replacement would be a former and popular Republican candidate, someone who is well qualified for the office. That would be Mitt Romney.
Rather than a plus for the Clinton campaign, Trump’s bizarre behavior may result in a candidate that might win the election.
There is much speculation concerning why Trump is acting as he is. He doesn’t appear to be paranoid. He doesn’t seem to be bi-polar because he is the same all the time.
Here’s our take on the matter: Deep down what Trump was seeking was the attention, adulation, and the chance to show off his skills. But now he is terrified about the possibility of actually becoming President, something for which is is totally unqualified by knowledge, experience and personality bent. Thus his apparent political suicide.
If Romney did enter the fray, it could suck just enough votes away from Hilary, to make Trump the winner, not Romney. Trump’s supporters are maddeningly loyal, even as they watch his craziest antics, so Romney could capture more traditional Republicans, a sliver of the original party and some Hilary voters and the results could be something like Trump—40%; Hillary—38%; Romney—22%. Say hello to President (for life??) Trump!
EDITOR: Good points. We have assumed that Romney’s name would replace Trump’s as the Republican nominee.
You just will not give up on the Romney replace Trump theory.
Trump certainly should be dumpted but he won more votes than any Republican nominee in primary history.
They are stuck with him and it will be a Clinton landslide.
Here’s the odds of a Clinton win — 85% — with Trump having only a 15% chance.
http://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2016-election-forecast/#now
KZ
WHAT ARE MY CHOICES: The folks speaking out against Trump are helping me make up my mind a little more every day! Is he the Perfect Candidate whose thoughts mirror mine on all fronts? NOPE Does he say everything the way I wish he would say it? NOPE Am I absolutely sure that his motives are absolutely Pure? NOPE Can I point to any other Dem Politician that I like better? NOPE Is there any of the other RINO Politicians I like better? NOPE Am I going to sit home, refuse to Vote, and let Hillary win; because he is NOT Perfect? NOPE
Do I like what I have seen for the last 7-1/2 years with the Jerk that sleeps in my White House? NOPE Do I like the “fundamental changes” that same Jerk has brought about in MY America? NOPE OK, your turn to decide what you are going to do in about 4 months! Trump’s presidential qualifications… Obama is against Trump… Check The Media are against Trump… Check The establishment Democrats are against Trump… Check The establishment Republicans are against Trump… Check The UN is against Trump… Check The EU is against Trump… Check China is against Trump… Check Mexico is against Trump… Check Soros is against Trump… Check Black Lives Matter is against Trump… Check Move On is against Trump… Check Koch Brothers are against Trump… Check Bushes are against Trump .. Check Planned Parenthood is against Trump….Check Hillary & Bernie are both against Trump … Check Illegal aliens are against Trump … Check Islam is against Trump … Check Kasich is against Trump … Check Hateful, racist, violent Liberals are against Trump.. Check NOW THAT BEING SAID…It seems to me, Trump MUST BE the Best Qualified Candidate we could ever have. If you have so many political insiders and left wing NUT CASES— all SCARED TO DEATH, that they all speak out against him at the same time! Most of all, it will be the People’s Choice… PLUS – He’s not a Lifetime Politician…Check He’s not a Lawyer….Check He’s not doing it for the money…Check He’s a Natural Born American Citizen born in the USA from American parents. . .
Bonus points ! Whoopi says she will leave the country… Rosie says she will leave the country… Sharpton says he will leave the country… Cher says she will leave the country… Cyrus says she will leave the country… The Constitution and the Bill of Rights will prevail…. Hillary will go to jail….. The budget will be balanced in 8 years…. Americans will have first choice at jobs….. You will not be able to marry your pet…. You will be able to keep your gun(s) if you qualify… (Not a criminal or crazy, etc.) Only living, registered U.S. citizens can vote….MUST SHOW ID TO VOTE.. You can have and keep your own doctor….. You can say whatever you want without being called a racist, Islamophobic, xenophobic, etc…. He will make AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Come to think of it, we have no place to go, but UP!
It crossed my mind too , but I think that Tromp is acting in character, not to sabotage his run as the Republican nominee.
I really think that his outsized ego and hubris have him believing that he could be a great President.
If Trump resigned the RNC would replace him by bringing all 169 members of the RNC together and they would vote, with their votes weighted by the number of delegates they have to the convention.
No one mentions Romney as the alternative, although I think it is their best choice. Everyone seems to go to Ted Cruz, who would be a disaster as bad as Trump, or Paul Ryan. It will be interesting to see if this discussion changes when Ryan wins his primary next week.
But, I would not bet my house on Trump giving up or being forced out. I would not bet anything on that happening.