Nathanbedford, I almost always enjoy reading your reasonable debate responses. Your insights are always a great perspective on events today and historically.
What I see happening at the contested/brokered convention is neither Trump or Cruz is the nominee. The GOP-e despises them both as the ticket nominee. Many here say they will vote for Trump or Cruz either way, but what happens if the GOP inserts someone else? Can they do that? Because if they do, will they really be that dumb to take that party suicide pill?
I just can’t see people toeing the line like in past years if they pull a stunt like that?
You are absolutely right, a party suicide must be avoided at virtually all costs. My argument on this thread is that Donald Trump is not worth the cost.
Nevertheless, it would be wrong for the elite of the the party to change the 8 state rule if Donald Trump is the only man to qualify. But it would be equally wrong to proclaim Donald Trump the nominee if he fails to gain a majority of delegates.
The conundrum arises if Trump is the only candidate who passes the 8 state threshold but fails to get a majority. I assume in that event he will get the nomination through horsetrading. If the establishment tries to short-circuit that process by changing the rules concerning the 8 state nomination, they should be opposed.
We are talking about a rather fine scenario and we are not nearly there yet.
