Topic: Gop Convention

Donald Trump's new campaign chief, Paul Manafort, asserts that Trump will secure the 1,237 delegates needed to win the nomination before the July convention. The discussion compares the current race to the 1976 contested convention between Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan. Manafort's background and aggressive communication style are scrutinized as the campaign shifts toward a delegate-focused strategy.

Trump policy advisor Sam Clovis issued a warning on CNN, stating he would leave the Republican Party forever if the convention "jimmies with the rules" to subvert the will of the voters. This follows comments from conservative activist Eric Erickson, who argued that nominating Trump would be a disaster for the party. The tension highlights a growing rift between Trump's campaign staff and the GOP establishment.

Republican Party insiders are discussing the use of arcane convention rules to deny Donald Trump the nomination even if he holds a plurality of delegates. Party officials have stated publicly that political parties, rather than the general public, ultimately choose their nominees through a representative process. This stance has led to accusations that the primary system is a marketing facade rather than a purely democratic selection.

Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno to discuss his strategy for a brokered convention. Paul explained that if no candidate reaches 1,144 delegates on the first ballot, delegates become "uncommitted" and can vote their conscience. Paul also defended his decision to refuse Secret Service protection, calling it a form of "welfare" that costs taxpayers $50,000 per day.

Political analysts suggest the 2012 GOP primary could result in a brokered convention, potentially opening the door for Jeb Bush. The hosts argue the media benefits financially from a prolonged election cycle and encourages the drama.