Several weeks ago, this writer suggested Donald Trump might be — emphasizing might be — the best alternative for both the Republican Party and the country if he could set aside pride and ego and, if elected, follow through on his pledge to select the best and wisest individuals to serve as cabinet members and close advisers.

During his campaign, he has talked about selecting a truly bipartisan group to help him straighten out the stagnation and inaction in Washington, which has had a damaging and negative impact not only in Washington but throughout the country.

Skeptics laugh at the idea Trump could be a good president but, at the same time, they have no answer for how to unlock the Washington gridlock, which would continue and probably become even more intense if the general election became a showdown between Hillary Clinton, who endorses the Obama agenda, and Ted Cruz or Marco Rubio.

Ohio Gov. John Kasich, a former U.S. House member, would appear to have a better chance of creating a meaningful, productive relationship with Democrats in Congress who endorse the Obama pledge to change America.

The fact is, the country cannot continue the drift of the past seven years. If Clinton, Cruz or Rubio were elected president, is there really any hope things would change? There is a terrific difference about what is best for this country and its citizens between current Democratic leaders and current Republican lawmakers running for office.

Dr. Ben Carson’s announcement on Friday that he endorses Trump as the GOP standard bearer probably came as a shock to most of those who have been following the Republican and Democratic presidential race.

Trump and Carson are looked upon as two opposites in most every way, and, yet, the highly respected, modest, thoughtful and brilliant surgeon was powerful in announcing why he believes Trump is the best candidate for this country.

If Trump were to win next week’s Florida primary, it is likely additional prominent Republicans who have been sitting on the sideline will announce their support of Trump.

Trump is disliked, almost despised, by many in the so-called Republican “establishment,” but there is reason to wonder whether this dislike is driven more by fear of their establishment dollhouse being broken up than by concern about whether Trump could be a good president.

Likewise, a sizable segment of the “mainstream” media, whatever that is, don’t disguise their opposition to a Trump presidency.

It’s far too early to predict who will lead the GOP ticket, but, at this time, the outspoken, often arrogant and bombastic Trump seems to have a powerful tailwind pushing him to the Republican presidential nomination.

Will the efforts of a group of powerful and rich “establishment” Trump opponents, along with many in the media and longtime GOP Washington insiders be able to derail the Trump Express?

The Trump phenomenon shakes up most all political professionals, political junkies and a large portion of the public, particularly those who, for one reason or another, are recipients of federal subsidies.

A Trump presidency would almost guarantee tremendous changes. Given the current dislike or distrust of Washington insiders — both Democrats and Republicans– it will be interesting to see what transpires between now and the GOP National Convention in Cleveland and the general election in November.

And, is there any chance, any chance, Hillary Clinton will not be the Democratic nominee?