A so-called “brokered convention”, in which no single candidate has a sufficient number of nominating delegates to become the presidential nominee in the November election, used to be a common feature of American politics, but there has not been one in more than 60 years.
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Trump, though he has already pledged that he would not run as a third-party candidate in 2016, has recently hinted at other alternatives to the GOP, ever since Republicans condemned his recent calls to ban Muslims from entering the U.S.
The possibility that the Republican battle for a nominee will extend to the convention was discussed at a dinner on Monday of top party operatives hosted by Republican National Committee chairman Reince Priebus.
The retired neurosurgeon lashed out Friday morning at reports of a recent closed-door meeting of Republican establishment leaders focused on deep divisions within the GOP electorate, particularly the continued strength of billionaire businessman Donald Trump.
It’s the first time Carson has suggested the possibility of bucking the GOP – though he has previously stood with Trump in pressuring the party to meet demands, including on debate structure.
We all know the GOP establishment is no fan of the controversial frontrunner, but would they go so far to alter the nomination process to prevent his victory?
But Ben Carson’s response will ultimately be the one best remembered.
The last time a brokered convention played out was in 1976. “My disadvantage is that I’d be going up against guys who grew up with each other, who know each other intimately, and I don’t know who they are, OK?”
The GOP establishment’s mounting attacks on bombastic front-runner Donald Trump’s ability to lead the free world might be letting a little air out of his run, political operatives said – but they could backfire on the moderates. But one or both could siphon enough votes from the Republican nominee to hand the election to the Democrats.
“The threat of Trump running as an independent really is the main issue”, Vatz said.
“I think he’s bluffing 100%”.
He told moderator Hugh Hewitt that the statement he made last week about leaving the Republican Party was contingent on whether the party acts like in the past with “dishonesty”.
Hewitt posited that a brokered convention could help the Republican Party, saying it “keeps Hillary from knowing where to train her billions on”.
Third-party candidates might poll well early in the campaign. “If it is correct, every voter who is standing for change must know they are being betrayed”.
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The RNC had all candidates sign a pledge at the beginning of the race that they’d support the eventual Republican nominee.
