If Trump had never entered the picture, would frustrated and angry American conservatives remain supine throughout an entire primary season?
Because Jeb Bush has bungled his campaign both before and after Trump's entry into the race, should we not conclude that he would have continued to do so had Trump not entered the race?
As Jeb's fortunes decline to the point where he is left with very little more than a war chest, can we not say that he was vulnerable from the very beginning to any effective conservative candidate who would campaign against the Republican establishment?
Even this early in the campaign, may we not reasonably conclude that Jeb has missed his chance?
As the campaign has evolved should we not conclude that the stand-in for Jeb's role as the establishment candidate is likely to be Marco Rubio because of his matinee idol looks, his well told biography, his undoubted appeal on the stump?
Should we declare Ted Cruz out before the first pitch is thrown, before the Empire has even called, "play ball "?
