Trump’s Deadline to Rule Out A Third Party Bid: Sept. 30

WMAL ^ | August 25, 2015

[Abby4116]

NEW YORK — (CNN) Donald Trump must rule out a third party bid before October if he wants to compete in South Carolina’s Republican primary, a crucial test in the nominating contest.

Trump has repeatedly refused to rule out a third party candidacy, noting that he could use the threat of an independent bid as leverage, but he cannot appear on the South Carolina primary ballot unless he pledges to support the GOP nominee in the general election.

[mmichaels1970]

I couldn’t sign it. I will only vote for Cruz or Trump. If they don’t win, I’ll vote third party.

Like you, I could only vote for Cruz, Trump, and maybe a couple others. But if Trump fully expects to be the nominee, then he can sign a form that says he fully INTENDS to support the nominee. If Trump expects to set the platform, then he can sign a form that says he fully INTENDS to support the platform.

[Iscool]

I would think it's legal. The party gets to set it's own rules for who it nominates. If people don't like it, they are free to join or start another party.

Can the State prevent Trump from being on the ballot as a third Party???

[meadsjn]

If you are allowed to join and use the parties infrastructure, the very least they should expect of you is that you support the eventual nominee and not run against them.

Trump has previously requested, and was denied, access to GOP mailing lists.

[vmivol00]

True.

[mmichaels1970]

Can the State prevent Trump from being on the ballot as a third Party???

In the General election? I'd think not. They couldn't prevent him from running as a 53rd party in a General election.

But the nature of a primary is to award delegates to one within your party. Not a third party.

That's why I hate so-called "open primary" states. Why should the state decide who the party allows to vote to determine the nominee of THEIR party? That's just silly. Why, by law in open primary states, can groups of democrats get together and get to have a say in who the republicans nominate? And vice-versa?

"Operation Chaos" took advantage of those stupid rules. But they are, imho, stupid rules.

I wouldn't worry though. Republicans by definition won't have enough backbone to try to follow through with pulling Trump from the ballot. They lose and "cave" every single time. What would make this time any different?

[JediJones]

“Intend to.” He intends to win, right? Then he can safely say yes to that.

[txrefugee]

Doesn’t SC still have an open primary, where Democrats can vote for the GOP candidates? They have no intention of voting for anyone but the Democrat candidate in the general election, so what’s the big deal about Trump signing and changing his mind? Will that upset anyone but the fossils in the GOPe? NO.

[Iscool]

The GOP is toast and they don't even care if they win. If Trump or Cruz gets the nomination, the GOP will torpedo the nominee. They don't want their boat upset and losing to a dem is good enough.

I believe the Democrats and Republicans will do ANYTHING it takes to keep Trump or Cruz from becoming the next President...

[ryderann]

I can remember that KKK fellow running as a Republican for some office in Louisiana about 30 years ago. The Republican Party said that couldn’t do anything to stop his running as a Republican.

[DouglasKC]

Trump, at CNN's "Debate The Moderator"; should, when asked his first question, state: Before I answer your question Jake, I'd like see by show of hands, who will support me should I win the Republican nomination.

That's a great idea. The only way that Trump looks bad on this though is if everyone raises their hand. What does he do if everyone does?

[LucyT]

Thanks, Maggie.

[TexasCajun]

He looks at Yeb & Lyndsey and says, "You lying bastards." hehe

Sure is fun watching them try to Stump the Trump.

[maggief]

“Well, that will mean that ALL OF HIS RIVALS will have to support NOMINEE DONALD J. TRUMP, including “Lindsey ‘I’ll punch Trump in the Nose’ Graham”...LOL.”

Great point!

[Cicero]

I generally believe in and intend to support the nominees and platform of the Republican Party in the November 8, 2016 general election.

It seems to me that that word "generally" gives him a legitimate way out. He can always say that he generally approves of Republicans, but not the dolt who was nominated.

[null and void]

Does South Carolina forbid write-in candidates?

Imagine the GOPe if he refused to go along with their strong arm tactics, and won in a write-in vote!

[BobL]

“I generally believe in and INTEND TO SUPPORT (the Republican nominee)”

Hmmm, wiggle room.

Note that it does say WILL SUPPORT, only INTEND TO SUPPORT...so it’s only a statement for the moment, he can claim a brain fart when he signed it.

Also there is a way out...Trump can claim that he did intend to support the nominee if it were him or possibly Cruz (maybe Carson)...but since it turned out to be Jeb...then he’s off the hook.

[bgill]

The GOP better get behind him or they’ll lose their base.

[Jane Long]

Hee hee...was thinking the same thing :)

*generally* *intend*

[rwilson99]

The funny thing is that Lyndsey Graham’s recent statement along the lines of - Trump should lose if he is the nominee - should disqualify Graham from the SC primary ballot.