Why Can’t the G.O.P. Stop Trump?
Several factors — the fragmented media market, super PACs, new media — have made it easier for factions both within and outside the party to coordinate on their own.
.. The invisible primary itself evolved as a response to the 1970s reforms, but it took party leaders a few cycles to work it out. They may yet work out these changes as well.
.. To see why, look no further than the House of Representatives. In October, House Republicans struggled to find a speaker who could win the support of the conservative House Freedom Caucus as well as more mainstream party members. That same cleavage is now doing for the presidential nomination what it did for the routine in Congress.
.. Changes in the media environment may have made it easier for Mr. Trump, but he is a unique character. Few politicians can match his style.
.. Party leaders might have pushed aside Mr. Trump if they’d had an easy choice among the acceptable candidates. Since they didn’t, the Trump distraction kept them from choosing anyone.