If Trump were to hold his coronation in one of these stadiums, he would have to open up the event to thousands of people not vetted for the convention. That means that a large number of potential protesters could attend. Maybe thousands. Given the conflict that has occurred at Trump campaign rallies, it is not hard to imagine what could happen in such a situation. “Chicago!” one GOP consultant exclaims, referring to the explosive protests that rocked the 1968 Democratic convention and shocked the world. “Only not outside the arena, but inside it.”
The security challenge for the Trump campaign and the GOP would be immense. How could it scrutinize attendees? During the primary season, the Trump campaign handed out tickets to his rallies to anyone who sought them via an online system. Reporters (including me) were barred from Trump events. Yet anyone in the general public could sign up for entry. And this is how banned reporters and protesters often have gained entrance to a Trump rally. There was no inspection process for these tickets.
Unless Trump wants to speak in a stadium with lots of empty seats—remember Marco Rubio’s problem?—his campaign will have to permit thousands of unscreened people to enter the venue.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member