Any ideas why Romney or Paul Ryan didn't throw their hats in the race?

[GummyBearz]

It seems like either one could have ran away with the nomination and taken another run at the presidency. I get they didn't have the desire to run at the start, but at the point when Trump was leading, wouldn't they think "This is a joke, I can easily win this thing"?

[Yavin4]

1. Remember Romney was talked out of it by Jeb.

Ryan probably wanted to give Jeb his chance.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

2. I think they didn't expect Trump to win and figured Jeb would be the guy,

and they didn't think they could compete with Jeb. By the time it became obvious Jeb wasn't the guy and Trump was, it was too late.

[Exilednight]

3. Romney is simple: he would have been demolished after

His loss to Obama. Trump had a field day attacking Romney when he wasn't even running.

Ryan is now seen as establishment in an anti establishment party.

[C_U_L8R]

4. They're all waiting far away on the sidelines

...for Trump (and his supporters) to self-destruct
so they can ride in as saviors.

[Quiet_Dem_Mom]

5. Once you go Nacho Libre...

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3646757/The-elephant-ring-Mitt-Romney-surprises-crowds-dressing-Nacho-Libre-charity-wrestling-match.html

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[irisblue]

6. I think Ryan is planning on making Clinton's time as POTUS

a giant blockade, so nothing will get done, & 2020 is when Ryan makes his move.

[Aristus]

7. If you see a train wreck about to happen, you don't jump onto the tracks.

n/t