I remember the year I turned 18 and the thought of registering to vote was so awesome. I couldn’t wait to vote for president. I was proud to register as a Republican.

Over the years — I have drifted more to the middle. In Arizona, when I covered more and more politics — it was more logical for me to become an independent. In this space, on more than one occasion, I have said I still lean right on a lot of issues.

However, I have to say, I do not get the Trump loyalty. I cannot figure out how he is still pulling so much support nationwide. He is being indicted for a lot. Whether you agree with the indictments or not — the reality is he’s still got a lot of legal troubles on his plate.

Yet — he still flies around the country touting his “amazing” leadership abilities, asking for money, which appears to be paying legal bills, and claiming he will still make a great president.

However, here is the reality — to those Republicans saying they are going to vote for Trump in the primaries — I ask, have you thought about the end game?

A man whom I’ve stayed friends with and whose family I knew growing up recently posted a plea to his Republican friends on Facebook. He begged his Republican friends to realize that Trump cannot win the whole thing and it's time to go with another candidate. He specifically brought up Ron DeSantis.

He specifically said inflation and the economy are big reasons to look beyond Trump.

I have been a bit surprised that DeSantis has not gained more ground among Republicans. Even with his recent stumbles I am surprised he has not gained more ground with the party.

In my friend’s plea, he stressed that Trump absolutely will not win the general election. I agree with him.

While Trump may carry the Republican vote — he will not carry the unaffiliated and independent voters. He will not gain anything among Democratic voters.

To win the whole thing — a candidate has to get some votes beyond their own party. Trump cannot do it.

To those still wanting him to be president — it will not happen.

Nikki Haley, Mike Pence and Ron DeSantis have a better chance of getting the unaffiliated voter over Trump.

To those sticking with Trump — do you want to win the entire thing and get Biden out of office — or do you want to stand by Trump and lose?

I’m not saying the Republican candidates have my vote as of right now, but I will say Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis have a better shot of getting me to vote Republican than Trump does.

I can’t say I’m over the top with the job the Biden/Harris ticket has done to date. A good, strong leader may get me to consider the other side.

I believe Trump has divided this country too much. I believe he has helped in creating the hateful country we are dealing with on both sides of the aisle. Is he solely to blame? No. But, he carries a lot of it.

We need a different leader. We need different people to represent the conservative party.

I hope the Trump-for-life supporters start questioning whether loyalty to him is more important than having new leadership in the White House in 2025.

Thelma Grimes is the south metro editor for Colorado Community Media.