The nomination of Merrick Garland puts the GOP in a bind. But it also represents a missed opportunity.

There are a few reasons. Political calculation isn't one of them.

Sanders is favored to beat Hillary Clinton in seven of the next eight states, which means the media narrative is about to shift in his favor.

What if an ideologically fluid celebrity candidate has changed the rules of the game?

Until they accept that Trump is their problem, Republicans will be unable to wean themselves from the politics that gave rise to him.