Before it had officially begun, Donald Trump’s Campaign Chairman, Paul Manafort, was booed as he denounced Ohio Governor John Kasich for refusing to attend the convention, and then called the Bush family “the past of the Republican Party,” and dismissed them for not attending Trump’s convention.
That was just the beginning of the first day. As protestors gathered outside, inside, anti-Trump Republicans were nearly as vocal. Attempts to change convention rules, which would have allowed delegates to “vote their conscience” were squashed by the RNC. The attempt would have required a state-by-state roll call vote. Trump supporters were caught without notice, and scrambled to crush the rebellion.
Many saw the effort to deny Trump the nomination as an effort to secure the nomination for Ted Cruz in 2020.
Isn’t this fascinating. The two men the Republican establishment hate the most are involved in the first disturbance on the floor of the convention. Cruz is scheduled to speak at the convention is support of Trump later in the week.
The furor erupted when Arkansas Representative Steve Womack, who was serving as convention chair, put the rules for the convention to a voice vote. When the uproar began, Womack then walked off the stage, amid chants of “roll call, roll call” by protesters, a chorus that was quickly met by loud counter chants of “Trump,” “Trump” from the presumptive nominee’s supporters.
A TEA Party extremist, and Cruz devotee said the following. “I have never seen the floor abandoned like that,” said Utah Senator Mike Lee, a key Cruz supporter as delegates on both sides of the row tried to work out of happen, amid roughly 10 minutes of uncertainty.
The question is; is this the beginning or the end of the protests against a Trump candidacy. Will anti-Trump protestors walk out of the convention and refuse to cast their ballots for the failed businessman, or capitulate to the RNC?
Questions remained regarding the rules of procedure, and no one appeared to be satisfied with the results. Another question; will the convention further divide the Republican Party and once and for all destroy the GOP?
Outside, in compliance with Ohio’s open carry law, anti-Trump protestors were openly brandishing all types of weapons. Remember, this is the first day, and America is witnessing its first “reality show,” without a script, a director, or the proper lighting.
I am anticipating the anger of the final day’s events when Trump and Pence accept the party’s nomination. There will be fury inside and outside of Quicken Loans Arena. No one will be pleased, with the exception of Hillary Clinton who will revel in the dissolution of the Republican Party.
I am fearful of the violence which is always possible at such a volatile event. Trump’s open hatred of millions of Americans has resonated with minorities and women. Adding Pence to his candidacy will upset the LGBT community, and millions of Americans who denounce religious cults.
This convention is historic, but not for its value or exhibition of the American political system. For the first time in our nation’s history, there will be no positive outcome from the events in Cleveland. Division among members of the GOP will be more open, and our nation will question the future of one of its major political parties.
Don’t change the channel; it’s not over yet.
Op-Ed
By James Turnage
The Truth With No Restrictions 