WASHINGTON As Donald Trump officially joins the ranks of the biggest losers in presidential history, he can likely count on continued public praise from at least one group: Republicans eager to run for the job in 2024, potentially re-creating the same conditions that led to his 2016 primary victory.

Unlike previous one-term presidents rejected by voters, Trump still maintains a death grip on many elected Republicans, who appear fearful of crossing him and angering his loyal fan base. To complicate matters further, Trump has publicly broached the idea of running himself in four years.

Its virtually impossible for anyone to gain any real footing as long as Trump continues to pretend that hes going to run again, said one Republican consultant who spoke on condition of anonymity, who added that the would-be field is well aware of Trumps vindictiveness.

That fear mystifies Trumps GOP critics, who wonder what it will take for the rest of the party to move past him.

This is the irrefutable truth: This was not a close election. Donald Trump is in the weakest position a politician could be in. He is a lame duck who lost big, said Jennifer Horn, who once chaired the state party in New Hampshire.