Republican National Committee communications director Sean Spicer invoked the “dirty” 2008 Democratic primary between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama as a way to show the potential that the Republicans could have in ultimately winning the election in November.
In a Monday interview on MSNBC with host Steve Kornacki asked Spicer if the Republican Party ends up with a contested convention, is it “healthy for the Republican Party that this [election] could extend all the way into the summer?”
“Well, I think the answer is it depends. If you look at 2008, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton went at it epicly and called each other some nasty names, did some pretty dirty campaign tricks at each other. But at the end, they came together, they unified, the intensity was there and rolled on to victory,” Spicer said.
“I think when you look at whether it’s our debate ratings or the turnout in each of the states, the intensity and enthusiasm has been on the Republican side,” Spicer claimed. “If we can go into Cleveland and put on the best convention, which we intend to, and show people Republican principles and solutions that will move this country forward and and walk out united, then I think it is a positive thing.”
Then, noting the potential for an open convention in Cleveland, Spicer said that two of candidates “frankly aren’t going to be happy because by the nature of the system, only one can win.” (VIDEO: Trump: ‘What Do I Know?’ The Whole System Is ‘Rigged’)
“And I think as long as we have a fair process and people can walk out and say, ‘I didn’t win, but I was treated fairly and the process worked,’ then I think we’re OK.”