and he also thinks he's winning. Even if he did, that wouldn't automatically make Pence the candidate - the RNC would have to nominate him, and he'd have to find a running mate. And then that ticket would have to get on the ballots of all states and it's too late for that to happen.

ryan

No matter what the reason, his loyal followers would think that it was the GOP plan all the time, to get rid of him, and they wouldn't vote for anyone that took his place. These people would not accept another candidate, so even if Pence, or anyone else for that matter, were to run in Trumps place, they couldn't win.

The GOP is screwed no matter what happens. All they can do now is wait till 2020 and hope they kind find someone that isn't just another "clown" like everyone they have had run the last few years.

In the highly unlikely event that Trump quit campaigning, the GOP could ask people to vote his name anyway, and then choose electors who would vote for Pence.

Wouldn't be successful, though.

Well past the deadline to remove his name from the ballot.