Trump's New Right-Hand Man Accuses Cruz Campaign of 'Gestapo Tactics'

NBC News ^ | 04/10/2016 | SHAWNA THOMAS and ALI VITALI

[E. Pluribus Unum]

In his first Sunday show interview since taking on an expanded role in Donald Trump's campaign, Paul Manafort was quick to raise questions about the tactics Sen. Ted Cruz' campaign is using to secure delegates.

After being asked whether threatening delegates is fair game in the hunt for the 1237 required to secure the republican nomination, Manafort responded, "It's not my style, and it's not Donald Trump's style … But it is Ted Cruz's style." He then called the Cruz campaign's methods "Gestapo tactics, scorched-earth tactics."

"We're going to be filing several protests because reality is, you know, they are not playing by the rules," Manafort said.

But Manafort, who has advised republican presidential campaigns going back to Pres. Gerald Ford, would not outline the rules he is playing by either. When pressed on whether paying for a delegate's golf membership or trip to the convention was in the realm possibility he answered, "Well, there's the law, and then there's ethics, and then there's getting votes. I'm not going to get into what tactics are used."

[John W]

That’s what I thought. I assume those tactics will now be okay with all.

[mac_truck]

Good interview, thanks for posting that.

Manifort looks like a solid player.

[Mase]

You are correct, did Trump disavow Stone? Will Trump supporters intimidate delegates in Cleveland?

[Mase]

Yes, it was Stone. Has Trump repudiated Stone for saying something so egregious?

Will Trump supporters in fact confront delegates at the convention?

[Mase]

And, somehow, you think your examples are akin to Stone's call to confront delegates in their hotel rooms at the convention?

Wow.

[GilGil]

Real solid. Feels like Trump has a real good enforcer in Manafort. Even the press people seem to have a totally different attitude with Manafort.

[JerseyDvl]

A++... Calls it like most see it, except the Kooky Cruzlims.

[Neu Pragmatist]

Trump kicked Stone loose quite a while ago ...we can start bringing up Cruz’s affiliations if you’d like ...Teddy has plenty

[SamAdams76]

It is a shame the GOPe has not put in one half the effort in stopping Obama as they have in trying to stop Trump.

It's amazing isn't it? McCain/Palin would have won by a landslide back in 2008 if the GOP went after Obama like they are going after their frontrunner (Trump) today.

[Neu Pragmatist]

Ok ...just wanted to make sure the Cruz-bots keep their lies in order ...thanks for the help

[dynoman]

This delegate was called and pressured to change his vote. It actually happened. So yes that is not the same as someone talking about a peaceful protest at the convention.

Sonte didn’t call for anyone “to confront delegates in their motel rooms”.

[SJackson]

Interesting, the non-GOP advisor who has worked for Reagan, Ford, GHWB, Dole, and GWB, along with Ferdinand Marcos, Viktor Yanukovych, and Lynden Pindling is clueless about national socialism. Gestapo tactics? He’s breathing, so is Trump. Not breathing in Dachau, breathing in freedom. Stupid comment.

[Lisbon1940]

Godwin’s is still good but doesn’t apply in Trump’s case.

[SJackson]

Gestapo Tactics is an apt descriptor. It’s been evident since Iowa.

Sure it is. Who is Ted Cruz's Mueller? His Himmler, or Heinrich.

Sorry you flunked history, but it's not excuse.

[jjotto]

heh heh

[Neu Pragmatist]

This Manafort guy is as cool as a cucumber and he lays out very cogent arguments... no wonder the Cruz-bots are panicking

[Jane Long]

Has Trump repudiated Stone for saying something so egregious?

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LOL...did cRuz repudiate that weeotch Liz Mair for the *egregious* FB hit piece ad she posted?

[dynoman]

Interesting interview!

[jennychase]

Cruz supporters are as CON as Lyin’ Cruz. And they call themselves family value CON-servative.

[Gasshog]

ToasTED has been finished for some time now. Like many here are saying it is time for ToasTED to support the leader, get the hell out of the way.