The Republican Party of Trump

Reeling from the terrorist attack in France, Republicans prepare to converge on Cleveland to formally nominate Donald Trump as their presidential nominee. From the onset of the 2016 presidential election campaign on the Republican side, there were few who could have predicted a year ago that Trump would be the last man standing in what was a long list of viable hopefuls.

Early on, Trump was underestimated as a formidable contender in the race and Bush was viewed as a dynasty candidate. Many people were hedging their bets on a Clinton/Bush match-up in the general election. However, Trump gained momentum quickly and showed little signs of slowing down. Fast forward to July 2016 and Republicans, whether all members like it or not, will be nominating a businessman who has zero political experience.

It is no surprise that Trump’s candidacy has divided Republicans and driven some members to denounce their allegiance to the GOP by burning their voter registration cards. Trump has, from the beginning, been a candidate who refuses to be handled and does not adhere to the normal game of politicking.

There is little question that Donald Trump has come in like a wrecking ball and turned the party of Reagan into the party of Trump. For some, this is a welcome change, for others, it is a tragedy. As a result of this new variation of Republicanism, some high-ranking elected Republican officials are choosing to stay home instead of going to Cleveland. Much like the current Nationwide retirement commercial, some rank-and-file members of the GOP have found other things more pressing to do than attend the RNC Convention in Cleveland and watch Trump take the Republican nomination.

Blaming it on their campaigning efforts, the distance, because they have to mow their lawn, or whatever the reason, a large portion of GOP elected officials, by their lack of attendance, have sent a resounding message that “this is not my GOP.” While the fervor of #NeverTrump has diminished, the conviction of not supporting Trump remains.

While the 2016 GOP Convention may lack the political draw of conventions past, it is sure to put Cleveland on the map as it cements Trump’s candidacy and marks a turning point in the history of the Republican Party.

Originally published on Political Storm, July 17, 2016