"Dump Trump" movement could hit dead-end before convention
CLEVELAND -- Some of the most important business of the Republican Convention is unfolding right now: the people who make the rules are hearing from dissidents who want to derail presumptive nominee Donald Trump's expected first ballot nomination.
In Cleveland Thursday, a printer problem became code for a last minute effort to prevent a messy nomination fight on the convention floor next week.
While delegates met in one room, RNC officials and Donald Trump's aides huddles behind closed doors with conservative activists and leaders of the Stop Trump movement.
"I think what we want to do is make sure we have the greatest amount of unity coming out of this convention," said Sean Spicer of the Republican National Committee.
Anti-Trump forces have been waiting for the Rules Committee meeting to try and unbind delegates from having to vote for Trump on the first ballot.
On Thursday, RNC and Trump officials told CBS News they're confident they don't have the votes to prevail.
One question mark: whether the Stop Trump movement will still get the 28 votes needed to force a "minority report," which could create a stir on the convention floor, airing GOP infighting for all the cameras to see.
The convention's long-awaited list of speakers did highlight the GOP divide. Glaringly absent are many of the party's leaders, like 2008 nominee Senator John McCain, who said he prefers the Grand Canyon to Cleveland. When asked why he's skipping the convention, Sen. McCain said it's because he's "campaigning for re-election."
The 2012 nominee Mitt Romney won't be here, nor will either of the former presidents Bush.
Those that will be speaking include House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, both of whom have on occasion criticized Trump.
The Stop Trump movement likely faces its biggest test tomorrow when the committee meets for a second time. But, many of the delegates in Cleveland and even those who are bound to other candidates say the cake is baked and it's time to rally around Trump.