For starters, Trump supporters are already super angry about everything. It’s not like they could be any angrier with the establishment. Once Trump is gone, and he’ll leave behind no coherent movement, these voters will have to come back and look for alternate candidates with compelling messages or leave the party altogether.

In the short run, a third-party candidate may insulate down-ballot candidates from Trumpism. You do remember Todd Akin, I’m sure? Imagine a candidate being ceaselessly asked to comment on the various impulsive and unsavory positions the presidential nominee has taken. Do you agree with the GOP nominee that children of terrorists should be executed? Offering a conservative alternative — whether it be Cruz, Rubio, Republican Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska, or whoever — would allow candidates to endorse an alternative that jibed more faithfully with their beliefs. This could shield them somewhat from this dynamic.

A third party would also help sink Trump and elect Hillary Clinton. A weakened and corrupt Democrat that Republicans would unite against in Congress is a far better reality than allowing a charlatan to hollow out a party from within.

It is an utter disaster, not only for Republicans but the nation, to have one functioning political party.