Rattled Republicans seek a last-ditch strategy to stop Trump

[webfact]

Rattled Republicans seek a last-ditch strategy to stop Trump
By KATHLEEN HENNESSEY and JULIE PACE

WASHINGTON (AP) — Staring down the prospect of nominating Donald Trump for president, Republicans spiraled into a chaotic, last-ditch search Wednesday for a way to save the GOP from hitching its fortunes to an unpredictable celebrity candidate without alienating his throng of followers.

Sensing a window closing fast, GOP leaders and elder statesmen toggled through a menu of scenarios but landed on none. Some amplified calls to rally around a Trump alternative, even if that alternative is Ted Cruz, a prickly conservative with few friends in the party.

Others laid out still-hazy plans for a brokered national convention, an option likely to smack of the backroom dealing Trump fans despise. Some floated more extreme measures, talking of breaking from the party and starting anew.

"It's all a play to stall it or try to deny him the nomination," said Neil Newhouse, a GOP pollster. "And the problem with that is no one has the best scenario for how to do that."

The scrambling came as the billionaire candidate racked up commanding victories in seven of eleven Super Tuesday primary contests, and the path to victory for his rivals narrowed. Trump's strength — which stretched from the Deep South to New England — exposed the depths of the divisions within the party, no matter who becomes the nominee in this election.

As Republicans surveyed the wreckage from Trump's surge, some argued there was still a chance to stop him. He was not yet on track to claim the nomination before the party's national gathering in July, according to an Associated Press delegate count. He has won 46 percent of the delegates awarded so far, and he would have to increase that to 51 percent in the remaining primaries.

"Trump had a good night, but he left the door open," said David Winston, a Republican pollster.

The GOP mayhem contrasted sharply with a clearer picture on the Democratic side, where Hillary Clinton on Tuesday locked down solid victories in seven states and was on the path to regaining her status as the inevitable nominee. Rival Sen. Bernie Sanders vowed to keep up the fight, campaigning in Maine on Wednesday.

Sanders, a fierce opponent of big money in politics, quoted director and screenwriter Adam McKay, winner of this year's Oscar for "The Big Short" adapted screenplay, who warned about candidates who take major contributions from "weirdo billionaires."

Republicans, meanwhile, looked for a wise man to calm the jitters and point the way.

Mitt Romney, their nominee four years ago, suggested he might try to fill that role. The former Massachusetts governor announced plans to speak on the "state of the 2016 presidential race" Thursday in Utah. Romney has moved aggressively to take on Trump in recent days, saying the billionaire's unreleased tax returns might contain "bombshells." But he was not expected to endorse a candidate or announce a late entry into the race himself.

Some Republican officials have said they would not support a Trump nomination, including Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker and South Carolina Rep. Mark Sanford, but neither offered another alternative.

Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry has been approached by "a mixture of people" about being part of a third-party bid, said Jeff Miller, who managed Perry's failed GOP presidential campaign. But Miller said Perry found the idea "ludicrous."

The Associated Press has asked Republican governors and senators if they would support Trump if he becomes the party's nominee. Of the 59 respondents, slightly less than half could not commit to backing him in November.

While his party looked for ways to stop him, Trump was trying to soften hard feelings. House Speaker Paul Ryan's office said the Trump campaign had reached out but the two men had not connected. It noted the speaker also planned to be in touch with other candidates.

If there is a chance of derailing Trump, who did not campaign Wednesday, it increasingly appears to rest with Cruz. The Texas senator came in just 25 delegates behind Trump Tuesday night, although he faces less favorable contests as the race presses on.

Sen. Marco Rubio and Ohio Gov. John Kasich also hold out hope they could catch fire in upcoming contests. Each must each win his home state primary on March 15 in order for that approach to have even a sliver of credibility. Rubio trails by double digits in most polls in Florida.

Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson all but ended his bid Wednesday, saying on his campaign website: "I do not see a political path forward."

Another approach to blocking Trump involves keeping the field crowded through the spring in order to keep his vote totals down. Even if he's winning states, he might be kept short of the 1,237 delegates needed to win the nomination. That could allow Republican leaders to argue at a contested convention that the majority of GOP voters want someone else.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, that idea has the most support among those working for opponents' campaigns. Others in the party express concern about the image of the GOP establishment using arcane rules to thwart the will of voters.

There's also little consensus around the party's goals in a contested convention, beyond stopping Trump.

"The goal is this: Let's get to the convention in Cleveland and figure it out there," said Former New Hampshire Gov. John H. Sununu.

Other prominent Republicans called for more drastic measures.

"It may be necessary for men and women of principle within the party to set the self-detonation sequence as they escape the ship to a new party," wrote conservative blogger Erick Erickson.
___

Associated Press writers Andrew Taylor, Julie Bykowicz, Stephen Ohlemacher and Donna Cassata contributed to this report.


-- (c) Associated Press 2016-03-03

[Pimay1]

The desperation of the GOP establishment comes from the possibility of losing their place at the money trough.

[stevenl]

A new party is the only way forward: one 'tea party', one central party ( present establishment GOP and HRC Democrats) and leftish party.

[khwaibah]

A new party is the only way forward: one 'tea party', one central party ( present establishment GOP and HRC Democrats) and leftish party.

Its called the RED NECK PARTY.

[NeverSure]

The desperation of the GOP establishment comes from the possibility of losing their place at the money trough.

One thing is certain. They don't want the will of the voters. This embarrassing corruption at the highest levels - worthy of a third world country.

[geriatrickid]

This could easily be solved if Trump recognized the supreme authority of the Koch brothers and pledged allegiance to their cause.

[grumpyoldman]

Romney might be a breath of fresh air as compared to the Trump fart. I truly believed McCain would have beaten Obama had he taken on Romney instead of dingle brain Palin as VP, but then maybe that would've looked like two grumpy old men, instead of one and (Trump special quote) "a piece of ass".

[Dustdevil]

Troglodyte Ted Cruz is even more distasteful and unacceptable. He keeps yammering about restoring "freedom of religion." As if the First and Fourteenth Amendments didn't already provide that! He's talking code for outlawing abortions on a federal level (which only the Supreme Court can do),and imposing right-wing evangelical Christianity into the government at all levels--in other words, long story short, having federal, state and local governments stick their noses into our bedrooms and requiring Christian prayer on every government property. The First Amendment also provides freedom FROM religion, which is abhorrent to bible thumpers. Too bad. Cruz cannot abrogate the 1st Amendment but he can lower the bar of discourse even more than Trump.

Edited March 3, 2016 by Dustdevil

[Lukecan]

Call me crazy, but if he runs independent with Bernie as his VP he can get some serious votes both from millenials democrats and republicans.

[onni4me]

So democratic...let the party representatives to decide...

I am not too fond of Trump and suspect that if he is elected that would play into the hands of Clinton, which I would see as even worse option. We've seen what Clintons are all about and nothing would change. One questions is there really no better alternatives than these corrupted speaking heads available?

Trump might be clever enough to hire more clever advisers than he himself is. That would be the only way he could fulfill his promises of change.

It seems to me that something is boiling and simmering as they see him as such a threat. I suppose it can only be that they feel that he can't be controlled or blackmailed.

[grumpyoldman]

Call me crazy, but if he runs independent with Bernie as his VP he can get some serious votes both from millenials democrats and republicans.

I'll not call you crazy, I like it ! (although I'm not big on Bernie but he does have some worthwhile angles that should be looked at)

[NeverSure]

Romney might be a breath of fresh air as compared to the Trump fart. I truly believed McCain would have beaten Obama had he taken on Romney instead of dingle brain Palin as VP, but then maybe that would've looked like two grumpy old men, instead of one and (Trump special quote) "a piece of ass".

Right. Two-time failed candidate Romney the RINO was just what the doctor ordered.

[grumpyoldman]

Romney might be a breath of fresh air as compared to the Trump fart. I truly believed McCain would have beaten Obama had he taken on Romney instead of dingle brain Palin as VP, but then maybe that would've looked like two grumpy old men, instead of one and (Trump special quote) "a piece of ass".

Right. Two-time failed candidate Romney the RINO was just what the doctor ordered.

Right, your better option is Trump? Can we tattoo an "L" on your forehead at the conclusion of November?

[Chicog]

Hannity's veins were bursting this morning, him and Pat Buchanan were spitting feathers.

(Then he took it out on Vincente Fox).

[chuckd]

Troglodyte Ted Cruz is even more distasteful and unacceptable. He keeps yammering about restoring "freedom of religion." As if the First and Fourteenth Amendments didn't already provide that! He's talking code for outlawing abortions on a federal level (which only the Supreme Court can do),and imposing right-wing evangelical Christianity into the government at all levels--in other words, long story short, having federal, state and local governments stick their noses into our bedrooms and requiring Christian prayer on every government property. The First Amendment also provides freedom FROM religion, which is abhorrent to bible thumpers. Too bad. Cruz cannot abrogate the 1st Amendment but he can lower the bar of discourse even more than Trump.

"The First Amendment also provides freedom FROM religion, which is abhorrent to bible thumpers."

Wrong.. The First Amendment provides no such thing.

[mrwebb8825]

You people are selling The Donald way too short on things. I believe he's running on the republican ticket to make happen, exactly what IS happening to them. He's gaining support of the American people, not JUST reps , dems and independents.

It wouldn't surprise me one little bit if he broke the GOP into pieces, rolled out announcements VERY publicly about what they tried and failed to do, then moved to the independent ticket with Bernie at his side and watched the democratic machine spit out parts and come to a grinding halt while taking selfies in front of the FBI entourage escorting Hitlery to the grand jury for indictment.

He didn't broker all those deals by leaving doors open without bear traps laid just inside for those who would try and blindside him.

He REALLY doesn't give a rat's butt about gaining endorsements from the "Good 'Ol Boys" from either party. EVERYONE else does with maybe the exception of Bernie. By the time he gets into the oval office there will be a LONG, LONG line of sitting senators and congressmen from both parties on their knees trying to get their collective heads up his butt so he doesn't openly campaign AGAINST them as they come up for re-election the first year he's in office.

[ratcatcher]

There are only two letters missing from Trump's name H & I . " TRIUMPH." And he probably will unless he gets JFK'd.

[Srikcir]

At least Trump has served the nation by putting Gov. Chris Christie on bended knee to support Trump's candidacy.

Mr. Tough Guy Christie who had called Trump unqualified by temperament and experience to be president now willing to do whatever it takes to catch Trump's VP candidacy.

[bendejo]

I say no way the RNC is going to front Trump. Will he go 3rd party?

But if he gets them to, then GOP establishment (including neocons) will run their own splinter candidate. Who?

Either way, looks like a certain split.

Edited March 3, 2016 by bendejo

[Grouse]

Troglodyte Ted Cruz is even more distasteful and unacceptable. He keeps yammering about restoring "freedom of religion." As if the First and Fourteenth Amendments didn't already provide that! He's talking code for outlawing abortions on a federal level (which only the Supreme Court can do),and imposing right-wing evangelical Christianity into the government at all levels--in other words, long story short, having federal, state and local governments stick their noses into our bedrooms and requiring Christian prayer on every government property. The First Amendment also provides freedom FROM religion, which is abhorrent to bible thumpers. Too bad. Cruz cannot abrogate the 1st Amendment but he can lower the bar of discourse even more than Trump.

The GOP might have to rely upon the second amendment to get them out of this mess!

Warning IRONY alert

[bendejo]

The GOP might have to rely upon the second amendment to get them out of this mess!

Warning IRONY alert

I was thinking about that. The convention is really going to be wild, expect weeping and gnashing of teeth. And with all these patriots so full of the 2nd amendment, it's liable that bullets will fly.

[osiboy]

The guys a nutcase , only Americans would vote for such a racist idiot without seeing him for what he is , the whole country is basically a huge disneyland , pie in the sky PLC

[ourmanflint]

If the Republicans don't like Trump then I now sort of see why he should become POTUS. Go Trump!

[wabothai]

There are only two letters missing from Trump's name H & I . " TRIUMPH." And he probably will unless he gets JFK'd.

That may save the world.

[keemapoot]

At least Trump has served the nation by putting Gov. Chris Christie on bended knee to support Trump's candidacy.

Mr. Tough Guy Christie who had called Trump unqualified by temperament and experience to be president now willing to do whatever it takes to catch Trump's VP candidacy.

Christie kinda reminds you of another Jersey tough guy majordomo sidekick who got whacked by his boss when he was disloyal. Christie is suspect.

Edited March 3, 2016 by keemapoot

[Publicus]

The guys a nutcase , only Americans would vote for such a racist idiot without seeing him for what he is , the whole country is basically a huge disneyland , pie in the sky PLC

Americans will vote November 8th to elect a new Potus. Presently each party is deciding who it will nominate. Everything about Trump is in the Republican party, not America and not "the whole country."

Be advised "the whole country" hasn't done anything and will not do anything as "the whole country" until Tuesday November 8th.

Do try to keep up plse thx.

[wabothai]

Republicans voting democratic and democrats voting republican, what a mass, and the outcome will be a mass too.

[Chicog]

I assume tonight's GOP MMA show will consist of Cruz and Rubio throwing molotovs at Donald, and Donald throwing his own back.

While Kasich stands in the corner muttering "Can't we all just get along?".

For another gripping installment of Republican buffoonery, you can tune in at this link at 21:00ET (I think that's 09:00 Friday in Thailand?):

http://www.foxnews.com/live-coverage/fox-news-gop-debate

Edited March 3, 2016 by Chicog

[Publicus]

Only four of 'em left. The Final Four.

Which means come next year there will be four new political parties.

And one gone old party.

[Ulic]

A new party is the only way forward: one 'tea party', one central party ( present establishment GOP and HRC Democrats) and leftish party.

From the view of the rest of the world the Democrats are a rightish party, the Tea Party/GOP an extremist right wing party, calling the GOP centrist is like believing FOX is "fair and balanced". What is really needed is a sick and tired of all of the above party that cuts across all party lines.

A combination, as crazy as it seems, a Trump/ Bernie party. Get business and money out of politics. Make decisions and laws based on what is best for the people and country not Big Business. The idea that Big Business are people and can put as much money as they want into Super Pacs is asinine. Plain and simple. The USA is as corrupt as Thailand but instead of the money going into politicians pockets, it goes into there re-election campaign funds. Lobbyists and companies should be banned from fundraising and contributions to

campaigns. It can only lead to influence for cash. Neatly packaged as "legal" Both parties are guilty. Nobody has the moral or ethical high ground as far as I am concerned.