In 1984, Walter Mondale boldly told the truth about the tough choices facing America, acknowledging that both he and Ronald Reagan would have to raise taxes to tackle the national deficit. As we enter the final stretch of another presidential campaign, it’s time for some truth-telling again — this time, about the future of the Republican Party and the necessity of Donald Trump losing decisively in November.

The most beneficial outcome for the GOP’s long-term survival is clear: Trump must lose, and he must lose big. While GOP leaders are unlikely to say this publicly, I’m willing to: A significant defeat for Trump would be the first step toward rebuilding the Republican Party.

Trump’s inability to accept defeat, no matter the scale of his loss, is well known. However, the larger his defeat, the harder it will be for him to reignite the chaos of 2020. A strong loss would limit his ability to continue sowing discord within the party, and it would pave the way for a post-Trump GOP.

Vice President Kamala Harris, if elected, will not be a radical progressive but instead someone who, at worst, is a pragmatic liberal constrained by a GOP-held Senate. While some may argue this is not a guaranteed outcome, the reality is that Republicans are likely to retain Senate control. Additionally, the Supreme Court’s 6-3 conservative majority will act as a counterbalance to any sweeping changes Harris might propose.

Harris is something of an emergency nominee with limited policy proposals and a mixed record in Washington, but a gridlocked presidency would likely serve the GOP’s interests. Her lack of governing experience and the possibility of Republicans flipping the Senate create conditions ripe for a more balanced political environment.

Looking ahead to the 2026 midterms, a second defeat for Trump would energize the GOP, making it easier to recruit strong Senate candidates. Governors like Virginia’s Glenn Youngkin, Georgia’s Brian Kemp, and New Hampshire’s Chris Sununu could all become key Senate figures. Republicans in swing states, like Senator Thom Tillis in North Carolina, would have a clearer path to re-election, especially against weakened Democratic opponents.

In the House, a Democratic majority would be more vulnerable to a Republican takeover under Harris than under Trump. With Republicans likely to make gains in the 36 governors’ races, the stage would be set for a robust comeback in 2026.

However, this scenario is far from what most Republican leaders desire. Trump’s stranglehold on the party is a reality, and many Republicans continue to defer to his base, rather than pushing for internal reform. Former GOP strategist Terry Sullivan summed up the situation: “It’s not like our leaders have been leading the voters to the wilderness against the voters’ judgment.” The GOP’s issues are more about voter base loyalty than leadership itself.

Many Republicans aren’t ready to embrace a new, centrist vision for the party, a path similar to what the Democrats pursued in the 1980s after a string of losses. Instead, Trump’s loyalists may still nurture conspiracies about election rigging, ensuring that the party remains divided and distracted.

A more radical idea that’s been circulating among some Republican insiders is the hope for a Harris presidency followed by a potential Biden pardon for Trump and his son, Hunter. This would neutralize Trump’s grievances, allowing the GOP to focus on regaining political ground. This, however, is more wishful thinking than a viable strategy.

The larger question remains: Would it be better for Republicans to endure a Harris presidency to prevent Trump from returning to power, potentially for good? Or would they fare better if Trump wins, serving one more term and then fading from the political stage in 2028?

None of these options are ideal, and the paths forward are uncertain. But one thing is clear: if the GOP is to have any chance at reclaiming the White House in the future, they must first confront the reality that Trump’s reign needs to end — and a decisive loss this November is the best way to make that happen.