The republicans need to wise up and recognize the Tea party is their future if they want to have one. Otherwise they are just democrats by another name and logo.
Trump is the one with the problem. Besides being full of himself he can't go outside. Even a slight breeze would blow the hair off the top of his head. Anyone who does what he does with their hair has a mental problem. Pailin wouldn't run with the guy.
You also are correct. We will have gridlock. Republicans may have a blocking minority, but democrats will prevent any progress on the deficit or budget. They are playing a waiting game, counting on another financial crisis to give them the votes to enact full-strength socialism.