They tried the same thing with Bill back in the 90's. How'd that work out?

It only works if Hillary gets down in the mud with him. She has better message discipline.

Just heard an interesting quote on the TV box, sorry no link. Basically she said that no candidate since Nixon who was leading this big 30 days after the conventions has lost the popular vote. Now, the conventions were early this year, so maybe that won't hold, but basically after Labor Day, things start to set in place and it is really hard to move the dials much. So, yeah, they have about 3 weeks to turn this around.

I don't see it.

30 States have ordered their Ballots. Meaning they can not make changes. So if the Con Man bails,he will still appear on their ballots.

He's their lying, deceitful nut.

And they plan on sticking with him to the bitter end.

who play with elections, secure in the idea that they can simply pivot on a dime and unleash holy hell on their opponents?

They have proven themselves inept in winning presidential campaigns, inept in their ability to govern and entirely out of step with the populace.

Today's R Party is the definition of a paper tiger.

For reference, look at Dubya and Cheney in 2000. They will close voting places. They will limit days to vote. They will put up roadblocks with requirements for photo ID's, etc. They do not support democracy as we know it.

Major loses in their voter suppression efforts, which the courts have been overturning like crazy.

As opposed to any alternative strategy.

The only difference is that they're desperate now. The defections by prominent Rs are hurting, a LOT.

The RNC has to convince down ticket candidates to stick with Trump. That won't happen, especially in Congress, where Congressmen usually fare better in their own districts than does any national candidate. They're not going to throw away their political careers to back a loser like Trump. The RNC can argue and threaten all they want. That won't work in the "every man for himself" reality R candidates are dealing with right now.

And maybe they can keep him from tweeting, most of the time. But how are they going to keep him off the stump or from running off script? And if, from the party's point of view, Priebus is his new friend/sitter, how long before Trump insults him on stage, calls him shortie, makes fun of his bald spot, or whatever it'll be to prove dominance?

I can't tell which?

Though the male lead is inevitably being destroyed by his own hubris.

They're all morons.

they can keep blocking legislation & tying the president's hands.

Yes, we must help get Hillary Clinton elected to the presidency.

We also have to get more democrats, especially more liberal democrats elected to congress.

And they failed when much smarter and better organized people tried.

I haven't heard/read one word. Probably never happened, I'm guessing.