Republicans try for reset on convention's 2nd day amid controversy over Melania Trump's speech
CLEVELAND _ Donald Trump's campaign found itself in a familiar position Tuesday: confronting self-inflicted turmoil, this time after a botched convention opening that included scheduling snafus, a failed revolt by a restive faction of delegates and a plagiarism controversy engulfing his wife, Melania Trump.
In typical fashion, the campaign refused to back down or confess error on the plagiarism allegations _ instead, improbably trying to blame Hillary Clinton and allowing the issue to fester through the day.
The wounds put more pressure on Donald Trump to deliver a flawless second night of the convention.
Normally, these scripted party pageants give candidates an opportunity to reintroduce themselves, answer questions about perceived weaknesses or demonstrate party enthusiasm after a grueling series of primaries. Speeches from would-be first ladies in particular provide a personal testimonial that often transcends typical political criticism.
Trump's lack of a script or sophisticated campaign operation _ touted as a virtue during the primary _ has made it more difficult for him to achieve those goals so far. But Tuesday night provides an opportunity.
He will officially be named the party's nominee, completing his unlikely rise from brash celebrity-entrepreneur to party standard-bearer. In addition, the evening will feature some of his highest-profile endorsers, including House Speaker Paul D. Ryan of Wisconsin, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California.
_ Tribune Washington Bureau
