We. Do. NOT. Want. Trump. To. Drop. Out.

[scheming daemons]

There are lots of wavering moderate Republicans and independents that are looking for an excuse to vote against Hillary.

*ANY* Republican that would be named in Trump's place would be considered a "safe" alternative for these people when compared with Trump.

If Trump is replaced on the ticket, it will make it MUCH harder for Hillary to win.

We want to wound Trump, but we don't want him to drop out.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. Replacing him at this point would be nearly impossible.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/10/07/theres-no-longer-any-way-for-republicans-to-boot-donald-trump-from-the-ballot/?tid=pm_politics_pop_b

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

22. I'm not an expert. I'm going by the Washington Post's research

which is pretty credible. They say it's impossible. The RNC has no procedure for forcing a candidate to quit. And how could they get Paul Ryan or anybody else on the ballot? Even if the electoral college has to vote for the official candidate, the RNC would have to reconvene and nominate another candidate, and then that candidate would have to be added to ballots, and for most states that deadline has passed. I think Trump and his campaign will try to salvage this mess and that he'll still be the candidate.

[LovingA2andMI]

44. Any Party....

Can pull their support or endorsement of ANY candidate at ANY time. At that point, the Candidate will be an empty suit. In the case of winning a General Election, the Electoral College are NOT tied to the candidate (or in this case empty suit) winning at the top of the ticket.

However, the Electors can switch their full support to the other winner in this scenario, and that would be the VP Candidate, Mike Pence.

If this occurs, it will happen in the next 24-72 hours. Keep the eyes, open.

[Bohunk68]

48. And that is what worries me. Pence is only different in the way he says

his evilness. The Rethugs would come out and vote for him in droves, because they believe the same. The GLBT community would be devastated and all rights taken away. Because if Pence would win, then so would all the Rethugs down ticket and retain their majorities in both Houses of Congress. I fear Pence far more than Trump because he has been in Congress before and knows how to get things done there.

[Drunken Irishman]

78. It depends on the state...

There are states where the electors are bound to vote for the winner of the state. If Trump's name is on the ballot, he's the winner - not the GOP or Pence. But Trump.

States where the electors are bound to vote for the candidate who wins, and no one else (so, no Pence or any other candidate) that are either Republican/leaning or swing:

Alabama (safe R - 9 electoral votes)
Alaska (safe-ish R - 3 electoral votes)
Colorado (swing - 9 electoral votes)
Florida (swing - 29 electoral votes)
Michigan (swing - 16 electoral votes)
Mississippi (safe R - 6 electoral votes)
Montana (safe-ish R - 3 electoral votes)
Nebraska (safe-ish R - 5 electoral votes)
North Carolina (swing - 15 electoral votes)
Ohio (swing - 18 electoral votes)
Oklahoma (safe R - 7 electoral votes)
South Carolina (safe-ish R - 9 electoral votes)
Virginia (swing - 13 electoral votes)
Wisconsin (swing - 10 electoral votes)
Wyoming (safe R - 3 electoral votes)

In just Republican states, that's 45 electoral votes that would go to winner, whether Trump or Clinton. That doesn't even delve into the swing states that would have to vote for the winner.

It's not a logical path to victory.

[still_one]

76. If the republicans were smart, which they are not, they would tell their republican voters to vote

for Gary Johnson in an organized manner. That move would not be dependent on what trump does.

The odds would still be against them in a three person race this close to November, but that would be their best bet if they want to disavow themselves from trump, involve the least logistics, and best chance

I don't believe they will be able to get their act together for that.

If Gary Johnson was smart, which he has demonstrated he is not, he would approach the RNC with that offer

[MFM008]

2. He doesnt know what he did wrong.

He thinks everyones crazy but him.

[RKP5637]

31. Yep, he's likely thinking hey, look at all the free advertising and I'm not paying. n/t

[Lord Magus]

3. There. Is. No. Chance. That. Trump. Would. Ever. Drop. Out.

Never in his life has he put anyone else above himself. Narcissistic sociopaths don't do that. He's not going to suddenly start now.

[Hekate]

6. +1

[ScienceIsGood]

7. I disagree. I think the GOP will force him too. The senate is their worry now. n/t

[Lord Magus]

70. That's just it, they can't force him to drop out.

It's far, far too late for that.

[Hoyt]

77. If he gets paid enough?

[writes3000]

4. They will lose either way. Guaranteed. That said, we also don't control this decision so...

Worrying about it has no impact.

Galvanized Democrats will over perform fractured Republicans.

[Midnight Writer]

50. Exactly. If Trump quits or is forced out, his Trumpettes will revolt, an even bigger GOP loss

[asiliveandbreathe]

5. Do you suppose the ryan/mconnell and co released the video

they might have planned this long ago -

The first step of The Flip must begin very soon — ideally, this week or next. At a joint press conference, Pence and Trump should with fanfare announce that, if they win in November, Pence will be in charge, thanks to the rules laid down by the Constitution’s 25th Amendment, which was ratified in 1967 after the assassination of John F. Kennedy.


At the press conference, Trump would solemnly pledge that on Inauguration Day, January 20, he will, only minutes after taking his oath of office, step aside by invoking the presidential disability provisions of Section Three of the Amendment — much as he might step aside if he were undergoing a scheduled coronary bypass that day. He will give notice on Inauguration Day to the president pro tempore of the Senate and the speaker of the house that he is "unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office."

[radical noodle]

13. No

I don't think they did it. They know Trump won't fall on his sword. And who in God's name would believe him since he lies about everything?

[asiliveandbreathe]

19. Please read this.....

http://www.vox.com/the-big-idea/2016/10/6/13184492/flip-ticket-trump-pence-constitution

[radical noodle]

40. Trump has just put out an "apology"

Probably the first apology in his life. Granted it was convoluted but it was more than he wanted to do. He would never have done that if he intended to allow them to make him the second fiddle. He's a dictator at heart and would not go that direction easily. This is something the GOP would love, I'm sure. But Trump still has his glassy eyed base supporters and how will they deal with them?

Maybe it will happen. I'm hardly an expert but I just cannot imagine him doing it. He wants the White House, nothing else.

[asiliveandbreathe]

41. He wants the fame - the republicans want the reins..

I wouldn't put it past them - they are evil and sinister...

[Missn-Hitch]

66. I like the way you think.

That's deep level, "Eyes Wide Shut" politicking there. Hell, the RNC is probably having one of those Saturnalias this evening.

Cheers.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

42. That is extremely scary.

Very double-plus ungood.

[asiliveandbreathe]

45. I know - the republicans freak me out -

Didn't the dumpster say he would hold the office..but everyone else would govern? - ryan and McConnell are so evil - look what they did to our President...be well.. we will get through this...I'm getting too old...

[BlancheSplanchnik]

73. They are truly evil,

Absolutely.

Yeah, makes you glad you're old! Yeeesh!

[hatrack]

34. In the unlikely event that he won, there is NO WAY Orange Julius Caesar would resign

It's just not in him.

[mythology]

62. They would have done it in the primary

They are smart enough to realize Trump is dangerous to the Republican party, but they weren't able to stop him in the primaries. Trump being forced out or agreeing to resign at this point would kill their chances of winning the presidency even more than Trump himself does.

[tblue37]

72. No. There is a story out about how it got released, so we don't need to

speculate. Google for it.

[Doctor Jack]

8. YES. WE. DO.

He can't be replaced on the ticket and the electors for most states he would win, have to vote for him. If he drops out, it splits the republican electoral vote.

And why do we assume, after this massive shitstorm from Trump, that another republican could waltz in a few weeks before the election, without a campaign or infrastructure or name recognition and win?

[babylonsister]

9. Pence is being floated. nt

[hatrack]

35. No Pence is a floater . . .

There, fixed it for you!

[babylonsister]

71. Haha! Thanks! nt

[ScienceIsGood]

10. No we do not!!! n/t

[scheming daemons]

11. Because they could name Pence and argue that votes for "Trump/Pence" count for him

[Doctor Jack]

18. Doesn't matter

The electors are bound in most states. They would have to vote for Trump when they meet after the election. It would end up being something like 350 for Clinton, 120 Trump, 68 Pence. Not a winning formula for the pugs

[Doctor Jack]

38. Thats not what the experts say

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/10/07/theres-no-longer-any-way-for-republicans-to-boot-donald-trump-from-the-ballot/

[underpants]

20. I think we want him to stay in and press the down tickets

Do you support Donald Trump?

Simple direct Y/N question.

Ayotte (NH) had to scramble and reverse course on saying that Trump was a role model - and that was last week!!

Press their asses to not only answer the question but to offer THEIR apology for their party.

My 2 cents.

[asiliveandbreathe]

21. Please read this - please..

what if republicans released the video - then their plan would be complete....

http://www.vox.com/the-big-idea/2016/10/6/13184492/flip-ticket-trump-pence-constitution

[Doctor Jack]

28. Oh, I could see so many voters going along with that idea

[asiliveandbreathe]

32. I wouldn't put it past ryan/mcconnell - especially with what they have done

to the President from day one...a revolt - sure..but they haven't seemed to care - it is their Frankenstein..fits nicely into their plan..

Oh well,

[RonniePudding]

12. The logistics would be impossible

ballots have been printed, early voting is already underway and we have essentially 50 different processes. I'd wager in many, if not all states, the deadline to get on the ballot has passed. The Dems could go to court to block adding someone new to the ballot in every state, making this a very sticky wicket legally. I'd also bet there are some Dem SOS' in these states that would block their shenanigans outright if it violates state laws.

They can talk about it all they want but it's not going to happen.

[scheming daemons]

17. Pence's name is on those ballots. If they name Pence, they'll find a judge that will....

say that votes for "Trump/Pence" count as votes for Pence.

[RonniePudding]

23. It would be the mother of all cluster ducks

You're also the one who last Sunday was freaking out over the kitchen sink coming at Hillary.

No offense but you seem like the nervous type and your instincts, at least politically, seem quite poor.

Anyway, I'll let you get back to the latest freak out.

[smorkingapple]

15. Agreed, we want him on the ticket. I want a total blowout

[Snarkoleptic]

16. They wanted very badly to swallow this poison, they must sweat it out...alone.

Now is the time for contrast in our political system.
They are so far in the weeds that they must be forced to find (or not) their way out without a life preserver from the left.

[procon]

24. Exactly. That's a really bad idea.

Any Trump replacement would only serve to reinvigorate Republicans and rally voters. Hillary would be forced to retool her whole campaign to a new candidate, and the press would focus on the new guy rather than her.

[LisaL]

30. Trump isn't asking us on what to do.

[hj.anony1]

55. Media NEEDS ratings

and they could see the overnights starting to trail off. Blessing in disguise?
He needs to go but this may be a bit too soon? They, the cable news, are
all floating replacement thoughts in one form or fashion.

What will displace NFL more ...ratings wise.... than a shake up on the reThugs
ticket!

[Cha]

25. No worries.. he won't.

[LisaL]

26. What makes you think it's about what we want?

[alcibiades_mystery]

27. People don't like voting for a party in disarray

We probably need the strength and confidence now to recognize that it's over at the top of the ticket, our cadidate is overwhelmingly likely to win, and so let's work hard for down ballot.

Stop inventing reasons to be scared.

[Fast Walker 52]

74. exactly

[sufrommich]

29. If Trump drops out or is kicked out,the election

is over,it's probably over anyway. If they dump Trump they'll be doing it to save their party not win a presidential election.Trump voters will not settle for a republican party regular,they're not attached to the party,they're invested in Trump. I personally think this election is now over and we've won.

[Gore1FL]

37. I'd rather have a sane person as an alternative

even if I didn't plan to vote for them.

[oasis]

39. Hang in there Donald. Hillary's got some parting shots for you. nt

[hamsterjill]

43. Oh hell no! We want this to play out.

By God, they wanted him, they got him, and they are stuck with him.

We want Trump on the ballot and at the debate.

[Coyotl]

46. He looks really angry on the just released tape, and Clintons are worse he defends.

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/784609194234306560

Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump
Here is my statement.

Retweets 6,083
Likes 10,947

9:19 PM - 7 Oct 2016

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

47. After watching the new Trump "apology" video

I am quite sure he won't quit voluntarily. The video just made things worse for him, although I'm sure he doesn't see that. The GOP could decide to stop funding him, and their leadership might stop supporting him; that might make him drop out, but he's such a narcissist that I don't think he can see the writing on the wall. The second debate will probably make things even worse because he's obviously going to bring up Bill Clinton's affairs - and that won't help him at all.

[mwooldri]

49. I don't think he can!

Early voting has started. His name is on the ballot. People have voted for Agent Orange.

[Tiggeroshii]

51. Trump will stay on the ballot, regardless.

Many people have already voted. And those who don't will see his name as the party nominee on the ballot. The only difference that the GOP pulling his support would make, is that our rhetoric would suddenly be heightened towards talking about real issues and create an elevated level of respect among the candidates, and arguably bring some redemption to this season's politics. But regardless of what the party decides, he is still left on the ballot: leaving the chances of a smoother candidate beating Clinton slim to none.

[C Moon]

52. I think he's going to drop out and let Pence take over.

And disappear from the limelight forever...or until his ego kicks back in: early next year.
I believe Hillary can be Pence.

[yellowcanine]

57. The hard core Trumpers will not vote for Pence as President.

They will get pissed and stay home.

[C Moon]

60. I was thinking the same thing. It will be great for us either way.

But Pence may bring back some of the regular Republicans (whatever that means). I saw a clip just now of Pence saying, "I'm a Christian, a Conservative and a Republican—in that order."

I think that's going to be his theme.

[Blue Owl]

53. Get on that gold toilet and double down, Donny

n/t

[hj.anony1]

58. Here's to GOLD toilets!

n/t

[Retired George]

54. Amen

Trump is our pinata.

[onecaliberal]

56. They allowed him to be the top of their ticket. He's their man. They're just like him.

[The Wizard]

59. When your adversary is

committing suicide don't stop him.

[cyberswede]

61. I agree - this albatross needs to stay firmly around the entire GOP's neck. Forever.

They all deserve to go down in flames for allowing this dangerous demagogue to get anywhere near this close to the presidency.

[Firebrand Gary]

63. Count me in the group of people who believe the GOP dropped that video.

Let that sink in.

This is their last chance this election cycle and they have absolutely nothing to lose. The Republican party will do whatever it takes to get him off the ticket and right now, they're creating the narrative to allows them to replace him on the top of the ticket.

I don't believe that he will drop out, I do believe that they are forcing him out.

[longship]

69. ...

[WiffenPoof]

64. I agree...

We do not want him replaced. The longer he stays in, the more damage he does to the Republican party. One of the only ways the Republican party can survive is if Trump is replaced by an establishment GOP candidate.

[appleannie1]

65. I doubt he will. He thinks he is the one being wronged.

[jzodda]

67. I agree and I also think more videos are incoming.....

Its about to get very ugly for Trump.

[4lbs]

68. If the GOP tries to force out Trump, he will go on a scorched earth policy and completely

incinerate the Republican party.

His hardcore base will go with him and the Republican party will become a minority party.

[cheezmaka]

75. He ain't going nowhere...

His proud will NEVER let him. And I'm really glad about that!
Maybe the Republican Party will try to conduct a MASSIVE write-in for Pence (if that's possible)