Death knell for Republicans' Grand Old Party?

The National Republican Covention was a gaffe-laden affair for Trump, writes Shona Murray

Trump target: Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. Photo: Andrew Harnik/AP

Shona Murray

Hillary Clinton announced on Friday afternoon that her choice for VP is Virginia governor, Tim Kaine, and momentarily managed to redirect attention away from Trump's campaign. But the chilling effect of Trump's doomsday scenario speech may be harder to shake off.

Last week's gaffe- laden Republican National Convention in Cleveland has been described as a "shit show" by some senior GOP insiders; others even talking bleakly about the "death" of the party. There was the farce that emerged when it was found that part of Melania Trump's maiden speech, as the wife of the party nominee, was plagiarised from one given by Michelle Obama in 2008, and the rancorous response to Texan senator Ted Cruz's refusal to give Trump his backing for party nominee.