On the Democratic side, there have always only been two real contenders; Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton. Although some would argue that Bernie never stood a chance since the Democratic Super Delegates greatly tilt the scales in Hillary's direction. But, that's a topic for another post!
On the Republican side, what once was a football team, a basketball team and a coach (maybe a descriptive stretch; but I trust you to figure it out!) has now seen the majority sidelined leaving only 3, Trump, Cruz and Kasich to continue the race. Some would argue that Rubio is still in the running since he controls delegates and some would argue that Kasich doesn't really matter since he has only won his own state of Ohio and doesn't appear to be able to win any others. Even though his campaign continues, Rubio has more delegates as I write this.
But, the number of scenarios that can emerge is still startling. Mostly this is due to the fact that there seems to be no one who can describe to us the true nature of the events which are even in the realm of possibility at the Republican National Convention (RNC) in July.
I have questions. I want answers. I'm not sure if I can handle the truth but here's what I would like to know;
1. Some say that any rules of convention can be changed.
A. Let's deal with 40B first. Can rule 40B be modified?
If yes? some have said that 40b is a rule that only affects who can speak at the convention during prime time. Is this true or does it concern weightier issues affecting the nomination?
B. Can other rules which affect the nomination be changed at convention?
For example, the means by which a candidate is nominated. Currently, some say a candidate must have won at least 8 states. Talking heads are constantly wondering aloud why Kasich is still running since it doesn't appear he can win any more of the primaries.
But, on Tuesday April 5 on Fox News' Hannity, Reince Priebus, RNC Chairman made a comment that makes it sound like a candidate doesn't need to win the state on election day but can still qualify by collecting the delegates of these states at convention.
- a. How should we understand this rule, and
- b. Could someone possibly change or remove this requirement at convention?
2. If changes in the rules concerning the nomination CAN be made, Who is able to make these changes?
We hear talk about "they", "the establishment", "Romney and others" as if there's a smokey backroom where the true movements and decisions of convention are made. I don't know who "They" are. Is there a "they" that could make significant changes to the rules?
3. Do the candidates with fewer delegates (Kasich and Rubio) have power over their delegates to assign them to another candidate on the first ballot? Do they have any determination on their votes at all at convention? Or, are the delegates free to make their own decisions once released by their states' laws?
4. Newt Gingrich mentioned in his Q&A today that the RNC Chairman, Priebus stated clearly last night on Hannity that the nominee would be one of the three. But, actually, Priebus said, "I believe it will be one of the three." So, did he leave room for a rules change that would allow someone who is not running to come in? Or, do the rules already leave room for this to happen?
5. Why do some Trump supporters continue to beat the drum that the nominee will be someone the establishment parachutes in and not one of the three? Is this fear-mongering to force the GOP powers (again, the "they") to "play fair" and give the nomination to the candidate with the most popular votes to avoid potential chaos in the party? Surely they know that this is how it has worked for decades! There have reportedly been nine instances where the candidate behind in the count received the eventual nomination.
Why does no one answer these questions with the thought that American is a Republic and our leaders are chosen by delegates and not by popular vote?
6. Do the states' delegates have any power to change the rules of convention?
7. Why DID the founders set up this system by which the nomination would go to a candidate chosen by delegates (instead of popular vote alone)?
If you know, and I mean KNOW the answers to these questions, I would love to hear from you. Please state your sources or credentials to support your answers. I'd love to hear from Newt Gingrich, Reince Priebus, Mitt Romney or anyone else who can shed light on this. If you have the power to pose these questions to a significant player (how 'bout it Greta Van Susteren, Megyn Kelly, Wolf Blitzer?) please do!
