Here’s my theory as to how the Repub establishment might be best able to stop Trump and make their own choice for the nomination. It sounds far-fetched, and likely wouldn’t work beyond getting rid of Trump (which might be good enough for them at that point).
There is one way they can take the choice away from the delegates and give it to the so-called party leaders. That is to have Trump removed as nominee after the convention.
The only way to do that is his either being incapacitated or having him withdraw. Again, a long shot, but hear me out.
There is likely enough dirt on him (most obviously from his business dealings, including possible mob connections to get his hotels and casinos built) that he doesn’t want out there and which if revealed would also hurt his business world apart from destroying his chances of being elected. Bringing it out now — if known and verifiable — though makes little sense since Ted Cruz, equally hated and feared, is the alternative. And the later it gets in the race, the more crazy delegates are elected and end up choosing the nominee.
So they keep quiet, let him be nominated. Then they go to him and say — we have this stuff. It can be leaked, and you will have the triple whammy of landslide loss, business damage and conceivably even legal issues (though much might be beyond the statute of limitations).
He might be nutty enough to call their bluff. But if it is strong enough, and he withdraws, guess who picks his replacement?
The Republican National Committee, still much more establishment than the convention.
Yes, the first person looked at might be the VP nominee (it gets awkward, because s/he’d remain in place even if the top spot is vacant). But then they could substitute someone like Paul Ryan.
Much of the base might scream, but the media would elevate Ryan to the pantheon of smart, reasonable, mainstream, though we know how radical he is as well. Ryan (or someone else) might decide it’s not worth it, but others (Bush, Romney) might accept.
Again, far-fetched. But I touted Trump as strong last summer and was wide ridiculed, then pegged Cruz as the strongest alternative way before others did. I am not predicting this. But I am throwing it out there as an idea that makes in their panic some sense.