The Republican presidential field is likely to grow much larger than it is right now. But regardless of who enters the race, they will all have to contend with the presumptive frontrunner – if not outright favorite – for the nomination: former President Donald Trump.
Trump's campaign was nearly non-existent following his entry into the race back in November. But in recent weeks, the Trump campaign has begun making itself known in ways that show how Trump's third presidential run will be the most sophisticated yet.
In part, that's because Trump is doing what his challengers really can't: work the insiders not just as a candidate, but as the former party standard-bearer…and still its biggest personality:
The behind-the-scenes effort comes at a time when most Trump rivals have not even launched campaigns and focuses on the most esoteric part of the Republican nominating process — the state rules and party leaders that actually select presidential nominating delegates.
His team has invited state party officials to Mar-a-Lago, arranged private meet-and-greets between state leaders and Trump as he travels, endorsed state officials they believe will be supportive of him and met with senior Republican Party officials in Washington to discuss how the delegate selection process will unfold, according to the people directly familiar with the efforts, who like many for this story spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss private conversations.
Trump advisers say the outreach is less about demanding changes now and more about cultivating relationships for the upcoming months — when they could call for some rule changes in states and try to shape who the delegates are for the convention. It also shows that while they are projecting political strength, there is a realization that they will likely face a long and difficult nomination fight and potentially a messy convention, some Trump advisers say.
None of this, of course, guarantees Trump will be the GOP nominee next year. What it does show is the former president is taking absolutely nothing for granted about the nomination process or the other candidates in the field.
The other campaigns are on notice: This will be a fight that Trump doesn't just intend to win, but win handily.
The first test of the field comes in August, when the candidates will debate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of American Liberty News.
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