Watching this fight for the Republican presidential nomination is like watching a race or a game that feels fixed from the beginning. For all intents and purposes, former President Trump is effectively an incumbent seeking renomination. It is not and has not been an “open” contest with several hopefuls having a legitimate chance to win. …
Some will have personal or professional agendas requiring them to pretend that this is still a real contest, and that the outcome is still in doubt, but that doesn’t change the reality that, barring Trump having some health-related problem before the convention, this nomination is settled. Indeed, the only thing that could prevent this being a rematch between President Biden and Trump would more likely be medical than political or legal.
Many outside the GOP find it almost incomprehensible that, despite his legal challenges and polarizing behavior, Trump is the dominant figure in his party. But those still skeptical of Trump’s strength need to look at the situation through the eyes of most Republicans:
1. Three-quarters of Republicans fundamentally like Donald Trump. CONTINUED
Charlie Cook, National Journal
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