Trump is less electable than Hillary. They knew it back then.
Think about the situation we are in....
Hillary Clinton is the least popular person ever to run for President since James Buchanan.
Hillary Clinton's criminality would be akin to high treason if she had any other name.
Hillary Clinton's corruption defines the worst of government corruption.
Hillary Clinton's health is so bad, she often can't make it through a speech or press conference without coughing or fainting.
Hillary Clinton's unfavorability numbers are higher than Nixon's after his impeachment.
So are Hillary Clinton's untrustworthy numbers....
...and what do the Republicans do, they nominate someone just as bad in many ways. His corruption wasn't hidden. His scandals weren't unknown. His liberalism on most issues was out there to be seen. His being buddy/buddy with the Clintons was on full display.
...and now we are in the situation where, with all of Hillary's faults, Trump can't even get out of the margin of error in his absolute best polls, is losing most polls, and now is starting to lose by double digits.
This would be like the Texas Rangers going up against the Hot Springs Ramblers pee-wee team, and choosing to field the guy with no arms.