But now Trump is staying in, and after his strong debate performance and solid support levels they are worried they just screwed themselves
I’m thinking of the parallel with Roman history where Sulla marched into Rome to overthrow the Marius supporters. Sulla then went about a rather thorough “housecleaning” with his enemies heads delivered on a plate; and that was not just a figure of speech.
No greater friend. No worse enemy.
The Sullan Proscription. :)