Anti-Trump delegates seek to change Republican Convention rules

Donald Trump today survived an attempt by some Republican Party delegates to block the controversial real estate mogul’s presidential nomination by trying to force a roll call vote to change the party’s rule.

Several hundred anti-Trump delegates seeking to change the Republican Convention rules so that they could opt out of voting for him roared their disapproval after being denied the chance to debate the changes.

“Shame! Shame!” some shouted, as pro-Trump delegates yelled back. Some of those opposed to 70-year-old Trump even walked out. Members of the ‘Never Trump’ group alleged that they were bullied by the party leadership.

The party leadership denied the allegations and alleged that there was a purposeful move to create disturbance during the four-day convention that will anoint him as Republican presidential candidate. The chaos during the convention highlighted the divisions within the Republican Party as it struggles to unify behind Trump in the run-up to the November election against Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Trump, who made a brief appearance, was cheered by thousands of Republican members. He said he and the party would win “big” in the November general elections. He introduced his wife Melania Trump, who delivered an address to the convention.

A woman in the audience raised banner and shouted anti-Trump slogan less than an hour before Melania was to address the delegates. Melania presented Trump as softer and gentler than the man known by the public.

“I can tell you with certainty that my husband has been concerned about our country for as long as I have known him.  With all of my heart, I know that he will make a great and lasting difference,” Melania told thousands of cheering Republican members and party leaders.

“Donald has a great and deep and unbounding determination and a never-give-up attitude. I have seen him fight for years to get a project done or even started, and he does not give up. If you want someone to fight for you and your country, I can assure you he’s the guy,” she said amidst applause on the first day of the convention.

In an unconventional move, Trump himself appeared on the first day of the convention and made a very brief introductory remark for his spouse. The Trump couple later returned to New York.

John Green Director, Ray C Bliss Institute of Applied Politics, The University of Akron said it is “unusual” for the nominee to appear on the first day of the Convention.