[Cheerio]

-- If Republicans lose this election, it is because of hatred within the party. --

Most of the anger and hatred dissipates in the general election cycle. McCain wasn't well liked, and IIRC, Romney was more or less "hated" by most Freepers during the primary cycle.

There will always be some fraction of the electorate that refuses to support a nominee, for various reasons. I don't see either Cruz or Trump being more susceptible to that than Romney was.

It all gets back to the requirement that the GOPe select the nominee, along with the media. Why hold the pretense of allowing the 'public' to vote for the nominee they want in primaries?

[Cboldt]

-- Why hold the pretense of allowing the 'public' to vote for the nominee they want in primaries? --

To placate the people, to feed the illusion that our government is chosen via "free elections," rather than being handed from one crony to another as they battle. "Free elections" is a hallmark of democracy, democracy is good, etc. - as taught in the schools, but blind to US and older history.

The illusion works exceptionally well.