But suppose Pence has had enough. If he were to quit, the process is straightforward – but has a crucial twist. Unlike Pence, who was selected by the Trump campaign, the new vice presidential candidate would be selected by the RNC.

In other words, the Republican leadership could put up a VP candidate who runs against Trump, rather than with him. And why not? They’re already conceding the presidential election at this point – the best they can do is staunch the bleeding and try to preserve the Republican “brand.” A Trump-McCain ticket (for example) is ludicrous on the face of it, but it would give the Republican mainstream a strong platform to say “We’re Not With Him.”

This actually does have precedent. Remember what happened in Hamilton? Until the Twelfth Amendment was ratified in 1804, the office of Vice President was given to the runner-up in the presidential election – i.e., the person who had just run against the president.