GOP's nightmare: An Independent Donald Trump (Trigger Alert: Contains Ralph Nader quote)

[LiberalElite]

Source: CNN.com

(CNN)Republicans dreaming of shooing away Donald Trump may want to think twice.

By publicly rebuking the billionaire businessman for his inflammatory comments, the party may convince Trump to launch a third-party candidacy.

That's a potential nightmare scenario for the GOP establishment: a populist outsider with unlimited resources attacking their nominee from the right in the general election, raising hell -- and attracting votes -- with his rhetoric on issues like illegal immigration.

Read more: http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/23/politics/donald-trump-third-party/

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Apologies, I don't know why the video part doesn't work. Maybe it's that Adobe Flash business...

[Sunlei]

1. Why would Trump leave the Republican party? He is a poll leader and has earned access to the debate.

[LiberalElite]

2. Beats me but he's threatening to do it anyway -

he just likes the attention. Poor baby.

[AverageGuy]

11. If he continues to be strong, the republicans will do anything to eliminate him

since he is not their golden boy. This is Trump's only weapon against that.

[cloudythescribbler]

3. What we need to see is how Trump does after the first few primaries/caucuses when the field thins

down.

I suspect that when it is down to no more than five candidates -- possibly Bush, Trump, Walker, Paul and one or two others -- Trump will find it harder and harder to compete. If and when he fails to get the nomination and fails to get named for the VP spot, could he pull a third party run? I certainly hope so. But I think that the pressure from both elites and the conservative base will preclude it. With Trump tho, you NEVER know ...

[cstanleytech]

4. Because Trump is all about Trump thats why........well that and his hairpiece. nt

[thesquanderer]

5. If he doesn't get the nomination, that's his alternate route to November. (n/t)

[elzenmahn]

8. Three letters explain it..

E G O.

[world wide wally]

6. One thing that is unstoppable about. Trump is

His ego

[backscatter712]

7. Nothing would make me happier than watching Trump Naderize the GOP.

[Nitram]

9. You know, Trump is being crazy like a fox.

Every bit of publicity he gets, negative or otherwise, is good for his brand, which requires that the name "Trump" be visible and audible to the entire population of the country on a daily basis. Being the front runner in the polls is priceless PR and status no matter whether he wins the nomination or not. The fact that he didn't lose the pole position when he dissed McCain's military service is dramatic proof that he has clout by virtue of the wingnuts who think he's just "tellin' it like it is." His campaign to keep his name visible to the max has been wildly successful.

[DCBob]

10. If they block him from the debates he might just do it for spite.

The GOP appears to be screwed no matter what they do. Thank you Donald!

[Xolodno]

12. You know who has been silent on this....

...Koch brothers.

[HFRN]

13. trump has also threatened to become his own planet, if a 3rd party bid fails

artists conception