In spite of most people not wanting either to run, there doesn't appear to be any viable alternatives. The craziest thing is that we really could see an indicted American against an unindicted criminal facing off for leader of the free world.
Trump didn't debate and it didn't seem to harm his standing one bit. The DNC will not allow any debates. The primaries at this point are not a serious contest. Both might as well be running unopposed. Short of Trump or Biden willingly stepping aside, it seems clear that it will be a rematch.
To make things even stranger, both candidate are likely running because the Presidency will protect the from their legal issues. As long as Biden is President, there is no way the DOJ will charge him with any crimes. If Trump were to become President, much of his legal problems become moot. So both men have a personal incentive to win their nomination and ultimately the Presidency. Either man stepping aside puts them in legal jeopardy and in the case of Trump, would probably dry up his legal donations.
Could I be wrong? Sure.... In 2008 I was fairly convinced at one time that it would be Hillary vs Giuliani and I was not alone. Of course it turned out to be Obama vs McCain. But those predictions were much earlier in the process. Based on where we are in the process and how all of this seems to happen much earlier than previous years, I am not sure now how this train comes off the tracks.
For me, the most realistic manner in which the rematch gets undermined is if Democrats decide that Biden is a liability and decides to toss him under the bus. That would still leave Trump as the GOP nominee, but Biden could be out. That being stated, I seriously believe that the DOJ is under Biden control as much as it is under Democratic control. As long as the DOJ protects Biden, the Democrats would have a tough time pushing him out of the way. Between the DOJ and the left wing media, they will continue to squelch the story all together.
Haley is right. You gotta know when to leave
My thinking is that this may be another cycle with an election determining 3rd party candidate. If West or Kennedy or Manchin jump in as a 3rd party it will help Trump. If multiple 3rd party candidates emerge I think Trump will still receive over 40% of the votes, even if at least one is someone like Cheney or Hutchinson as Trump's base is in the low 40's and not going anywhere.
What would be confusing is if both Biden drops out and 3rd party candidates emerge (besides West)
Assuming the election is not rigged.
And that's a big if in my mind.
scrambled as it may be.