I’ve not seen the interview, but no, under the current rules, a majority is required, not a “large plurality.” That’s 1,237.
Although the rules could be changed, that would require at least a majority too. And the only way that happens is if
1. All first-ballot Trump delegates go along (and they aren’t required to; their pledge is only to support the candidate’s nomination, not miscellaneous rule-change motions); and
2. Some other, presumably non-Cruz delegates join in by the hundreds.
Even if the rules were changed and Trump were thus nominated by less than a majority, Trump (or any candidate nominated through such a process) would be dead meat. A large enough share of the other candidates’ supporters would not vote for Trump in November — even if they otherwise would have, without a rule change.
Mind you, I suspect the GOP is dead meat anyway, having ripped itself apart fighting over Trump v. Cruz. Most of the loser’s supporters will still support the winner in November, but enough will stay home to lock it up for Obama’s third term. :(
You're right, that's not likely regarding changing the rule to 1100. But it is certainly possible if all the #NeverTrump delegates join together to change the rule to 1400, thereby blocking Trump from winning on the first ballot... and allowing them all to flip to Cruz on the second ballot.
“I’ve not seen the interview, ...”
The interview was just an opinion, perhaps based on hearsay from other RNC members or maybe just an attempt to downplay discontent among his own followers.
“..., I suspect the GOP is dead meat anyway...”
That’s looking more and more probable, unfortunately.
“Even if the rules were changed and Trump were thus nominated by less than a majority, Trump (or any candidate nominated through such a process) would be dead meat. A large enough share of the other candidates’ supporters would not vote for Trump in November”
You assume that most rank and file Republican voters understand the intricacies of Republican convention rules. They do not.
What they DO understand, is the simple concept of fair play and the idea that he who has the most marbles at the end of the game, wins.
If Trump has a sizable delegate lead going into the convention, most ordinary people are going to expect to see him nominated. If he isn’t, and the nomination is given to someone who didn’t win ‘most of the marbles’ fair and square with the people’s votes, it’s going to look like the rip-off of the century.
The Republican party will, for all intents and purposes, be dead at that point.