Brokered GOP Convention Possible

Spokesman Doug Watts said Carson signed a pledge not to launch a third-party bid only if Republican leaders “play by the rules”.

But in a one-on-one interview later Thursday in Manchester with WMUR.com, Graham would not say unequivocally that he will not support Trump. That’s why GOP leaders wanted him to sign a loyalty pledge – which isn’t legally binding – and are reluctant to intervene during the businessman’s many controversies, lest they risk awaking an even bigger giant. “If it’s going to be that way we’ll have problems”.

Ahead of Tuesday’s GOP presidential debate, the retired neurosurgeon slammed the party after reports emerged that Republican insiders were discussing the possibility of deal-making to decide the eventual nominee at the Republican National Convention.

On Friday, Carson said he has no intention of running as an independent candidate if he is to drop out of the GOP race.

Trump’s latest diatribe suggesting a total and complete insulation of the United States against all Muslims, American Muslim citizens and those few refugees in the country has received a resounding rejection by all the other Republican candidates as well as Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-Wis.).

Trump said on Fox News that party leaders will need to get used to his presence.

“If Donald Trump is the nominee, I’m liable to oversleep that day”, he said. Cruz had 31 percent support; Trump with 21 percent. They also reportedly discussed how to prevent a possible Trump nomination.

The divisive billionaire’s renewed threats to bolt from the GOP and run as an independent in the general election has party elders on edge that he’ll guarantee four more years of a Democrat in the White House.

“Well, one of the reasons that I got into this is because I heard the frustration in the people who are so exhausted of back-room deals, of subterfuge, of dishonesty”. “And, you know, if that is the case, then, you know, I’m out of here”.

The political novice spoke at a time his popularity among likely Republican voters has slipped.

The religious right candidates (Ted Cruz, Ben Carson and Rick Santorum) come in at another 25 percent, and there is zero overlap between their supporters and that of the establishment crowd.

Carson is ranked third nationally in the GOP field with 13.6 percent, according to Real Clear Politics. A person who attended the dinner confirmed to Bloomberg that it took place, and that Priebus, members of Congress, establishment lobbyists and others have held similar discussions for weeks.

“Now I have subsequently spoken to Reince Priebus”.

Trump’s campaign didn’t respond to requests for comment, but those close to Trump privately say he’s focused on winning the nomination and don’t deny he’s using the threat as leverage.