This is when I knew that the election would be hard fought and close

[Proud liberal 80]

As an outside observer, I looked at the republican primary and laughed. You had this awful clown in trump who was saying outrageous things. I was giddy for trump as the republican nominee because I was like no way he can win the general election. That crap may work in the republican primary as he wins a plurality because of the crazies, but the general election electorate would be different.

But then in February I was eating dinner with people from work who all were republican (unfortunately, because of my job I am in the minority). I kept quiet as they were discussing the primary. They were blasting trump calling him an idiot, unpresidential, crazy, you name it. But at the end they all agreed that he was better than Hillary and Obama.

I always knew that regardless of the candidate that a republican would at least get 45% of the vote. The R's could nominate the devil and he would get 45% even if he was running against Jesus.

[world wide wally]

2. An election is one thing, but this is a coup

You have worthless Trump, a fascist wannabe who subscribes to victory at any cost. He is being backed by a Republican Senate and House of reps. Add in the FBI and a 24/7 push by the media.
Now do the math.

[Kaleva]

4. It's the electoral college vote that counts.

A ten point difference in the popular vote, which I believe you were suggesting, would be considered by some, such as Politico, to be a landslide for Hillary.