Top Trump Campaign Advisor Hopes There Will Be Violence in Cleveland

Donald Trump‘s top campaign advisor Paul Manafort told reporters that an outbreak of violence at the Republican National Convention would be a boon to the campaign.

Protests at the RNC in Cleveland were evidence of “lawlessness” and a “lack of respect,” Manafort said, according to Bloomberg Politics. The remarks dovetail with both Trump and the GOP’s recent messaging. In recent weeks, Trump has rebranded himself as the “law and order” candidate, and the theme of Monday, the first day of the convention, is “Make America Safe Again.”

Regarding the protests, Manafort said, “Frankly, that impact will probably help the campaign.”

Another Bloomberg reporter tweeted that Manafort observed that violence at Trump rallies during the primary had had a salutary effect on his standing in the polls.

Manafort says protests in CLE will help Trump campaign, says that violence at previous rallies have ultimately helped Trump in polls

— Michael C. Bender (@MichaelCBender) July 18, 2016

In May, Manafort said of the RNC, “This is the ultimate reality show. It’s the presidency of the United States.”

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