Staff Reports
Approaching the Republican National Convention, the GOP is resolute in avoiding disruptions and ensuring a smooth nomination process for former President Donald Trump. Leaders assertively state, "Not on our watch!" recalling the 2016 attempts by delegates to reject Trump's nomination.
David Bossie, a Trump supporter from Maryland, asserts, "It didn't happen then, and it won't happen now." He dismisses the possibility of opposition, emphasizing Trump's victories in primaries and substantial lead.
RNC party leaders: Do not expect a convention showdown to prevent Trump’s nomination https://t.co/A7325uayjL via @dcexaminer
— Fearless45 (@Fearless45Trump) February 2, 2024
Strategic rule changes aim to secure delegate support for Trump, particularly under California's new voting system, where a candidate with over 50% support gains all delegates. The prospect of a dramatic fight for former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley on the convention floor is downplayed by veteran RNC member Morton Blackwell, who notes that rule changes would likely be deemed unfair.
The 2016 "Free the Delegates" movement, which sought to break pledges, is indicative of a transformed landscape. Kendal Unruh, the movement's captain, has left the party, acknowledging, “The people who I was fighting alongside with in 2016—those people are now fully onboard with Trump. He's guaranteed the nomination.”
Despite rules allowing delegates to switch sides, GOP leaders remain steadfast in their support for Trump. Criticism from former Never Back Down super PAC leader Ken Cuccinelli, who argued that rule changes don't represent voters, hasn't fractured party unity. Cuccinelli concedes, “It is virtually impossible to unseat Trump as the nominee.”
With the GOP firmly backing Trump, any derailment attempts are deemed as improbable as finding unicorns at the convention. It's Trump all the way!
