Republican Party fractured at national convention

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON

Fissures within the Republican Party were on full display Monday as the GOP gathered in Cleveland, Ohio, to kick off its four-day national convention.

Early in the proceedings, a group of delegates opposed to presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump attempted to force a roll call vote that, if successful, would have freed delegates, allowing them to vote for a candidate of their choice, not the one who claimed the vote in their state.

Convention Chair Steve Womack called for a voice vote instead, and on the second rowdy round, ruled that the “ayes” had it, passing internal rules that keep delegates bound to their state results -- much to the chagrin of the anti-Trump camp.

The raucous display was indicative of the split within the Republican Party as establishment conservatives find themselves at odds with Trump’s followers.

Ohio Gov. John Kasich, who is part of the establishment and whose home state is hosting this week’s convention, declined to attend the national gathering.

Kasich, who was the last Republican candidate to drop out of the race against Trump, warned his party against nominating Trump, saying doing so could further divide the country.

Trump’s de facto campaign manager, Paul Manafort, told MSNBC that Kasich “is making a big mistake by not attending.

“He’s embarrassing his state, frankly. But most of the Republicans who aren't coming are people who have been part of the past,” he added.

Ohio is one of a handful a pivotal swing states Trump will need to secure if he is to best presumptive Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in November.

Those states, which also include Iowa, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Nevada, Florida, Wisconsin, New Hampshire and Colorado, will be crucial in what is shaping up to be an incredibly close race.

Amid party divisions, Monday evening was focused on rallying support for Trump and establishing his defense policy bona fides.

A diverse set of television personalities, law enforcement officers, and current and retired politicians addressed the crowd, speaking on a wide array of topics from immigration reform to the counter-Daesh mission and social tensions that have recently devolved into violence against police officers.

Breaking with tradition, Trump addressed Monday night’s assembly to formally introduce his wife, Melania, saying in his characteristic bravado, “We’re going to win so big.“

Melania, who emigrated to the U.S. from her native Slovenia in 1996, said that her husband “has been concerned about our country for as long as I have known him.

“I know that he will make a great and lasting difference,” she said. “If you want someone to fight for you and your country I can assure you he is the guy. He will never, ever give up, and most importantly he will never, ever let you down.”

The Republican convention will continue Tuesday with speakers expected to focus on Trump’s economic plan.