Delegates from Alaska objected to a rule that gave their votes to Trump even though they were largely for Cruz. The process ground to a halt. The band played “Shake Your Booty.” Republicans danced. The Alaska delegates were polled. Then Republican National Committee chairman Reince Priebus announced that the rules—arcane and complicated as they might be—were the rules.
“In any event, have a great night,” chirped Priebus as he rejected the complaint that the candidate who said he was running against a “rigged system” seemed to be benefiting from a rigged system.
Utah delegates, who also favored Cruz but had their votes counted for Trump, spent Tuesday night grumbling. Utah Senator Mike Lee told reporters that he was still not ready to support the nominee and said the refusal of party leaders to entertain a debate on the rules had closed off “a last opportunity to unite the party.”