Would Donald Trump have run in 2016 if McCain won in 2008 and 2012?

[Goldeneye]

If John McCain won the 2008 election and won re-election in 2012, would Donald Trump have run for President in 2016 even though the incumbent President is a Republican?

[Lord Admirale]

How does McCain win though?

I'd highly doubt it. Unless... you want to try something a little fun

1. Hillary Clinton secures the 2008 Democratic nomination. Trump supported her in 2008 over McCain, but switched to McCain when Obama won the nomination.

2. Keep John Edwards' affair under the sheets for a little while longer.

3. Have Hillary pick Edwards as her running mate (note, if you want to be super technical, make Tom Vilsack or someone else as Kerry's VP in 2004 so Edwards is more viable)

4. The October Surprise is Edwards' affair. This causes Hillary's campaign to crash and McCain to take the lead.

5. McCain defeats Clinton in November.

6. Trump stays a Democrat and is a strong opponent of John McCain.

7. McCain wins reelection.

8. Trump runs for President... as a Democrat.

Sidenote, McCain's VP pick would probably be different as a result of Clinton's nomination. I'd say Tim Pawlenty would be his pick.

[Orthogonian Society Treasurer]

Yes, although likely not as a Republican.

All of the political circumstances that led Trump to run - and win - in 2016 would be present, exaggerated even. The southern border would still be porous, America's trade deficit would still be shamefully lopsided, and with McCain at the helm there would be even more 'stupid wars' for Trump to inveigh against.