Romney said recently that the leadership of the Republican Party lives in fear of what Trump might do if they reject him. Romney said they feared for their safety and the safety of their families when they all voted not to impeach Trump. They knew he was guilty--but they were too cowardly to admit it.

They hate him, but they fear retribution. I think he's also got dirt on a lot of them. Remember, Roy Cohn was Trump's first lawyer. His job was digging up dirt on suspected Communists during the McCarthy era.

Trump's success is based solely on his ability to manipulate with lies and bully with threats. He doesn't know how to do anything else--but as long as Republicans fear him, he will remain in charge of their party.