Paul Ryan presides over a GOP convention far from his own style and substance.
Speaker of the House Paul Ryan delivers a speech on the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
CLEVELAND — House Speaker Paul D. Ryan spent a career honing an image as one of Washington’s most serious, likable and wonkish Republicans.
At a recent fundraising dinner, he dazzled finance industry leaders by sparring for more than an hour over the intricacies of monetary policy.
He used his leadership position this year to turn the House into an incubator for GOP policies on poverty and taxes. During the mudslinging Republican primary, he implored presidential candidates to “raise our gaze.”
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Yet on Tuesday night, Ryan found himself presiding over a presidential convention that nominated a Republican nominee who could not be more different in style and substance from the 46-year old Wisconsin congressman.
As Ryan conceded just days ago, Donald Trump is “not my kind of conservative.” He previously called Trump’s attack on an American-born judge of Mexican descent the “textbook definition of racism.”
2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland
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And only after a very public hand-wringing did the 2012 vice presidential nominee reluctantly agree to endorse Trump with a logic that only a debate champ might appreciate: he called it a “binary choice” of either supporting Trump despite misgivings, or helping Democrat Hillary Clinton.
In a convention speech Tuesday night, Ryan tried again to bring his party together, focusing largely on the risk of electing Clinton rather than the promise of Trump, whom he scarcely mentioned.
“Democracy is a series of choices,” he said. “We Republicans have made ours. Have we had our arguments this year? Sure we have.”
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But he characterized the internal disputes as a promising “sign of life” and energy inside the party and said the time had come to unify.
“This year of surprises and dramatic turns can end in the finest possible way — when America elects a conservative governing majority,” he told delegates. “So what do you that say we unite this party, at this crucial moment when unity is everything?”
Ryan still faces an uphill battle for the rest of the week: Can he unify a fractured Republican convention boycotted by most of the party’s biggest names and inject some of his own traditional GOP policy prescriptions into an inexperienced, unpredictable and often hostile presidential campaign whose positions sometimes contradict long-standing Republican ideology?
The task is a risky one for Ryan. While he may succeed in holding the party together, helping to elevate Trump’s White House bid, it could come at the expense of the core GOP principles that have been Ryan’s life’s work.
At stake is not only Ryan’s brand as the keeper of conservative ideology of Washington, but also the future of the Republican Party. His differences with Trump over trade, immigration and the treatment of Muslims and other minorities are stark.
“The party’s at a real inflection moment and the outcome is not clear,” said David Winston, a Republican pollster and strategist aligned with House Republicans. “One of the things that Ryan is trying to do is at least have something – some clear policy direction here – that Republicans can use that’s a structure for maintaining the Republican coalition – at least at the congressional level.”
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Foremost for Ryan is protecting his Republican majority in Congress, including the biggest House majority in generations, as lawmakers face voters this fall in the Trump era.
To that end, the speaker has been working feverishly to raise funds – which is why he appeared before the financial industry donors recently – and provide lawmakers with an alternative platform to run their campaigns.
Even before Trump became the nominee, the speaker turned the House majority into a think tank on Capitol Hill, doing what he does best — churning out a GOP agenda, “Better Way,” that offers policies on taxes, healthcare, poverty and other issues lawmakers can discuss with voters back home.
The hope is the platform gives Republicans something to talk about — instead of having to react to the latest outburst or Tweet-storm from Trump.
“His instincts are right — always bring it back to ideas, always bring it back to providing people a vision for how to make America better,” said Kevin Madden, a former aide to Romney and previous Speaker John A. Boehner (R-Ohio).
“He may not be successful in having the presidential nominee stick to that playbook, but he can have impact on the overall environment Republicans are going to run in and putting ideas front and center.”
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On Tuesday, Ryan showcased his ideas. “We offer a better way for America, with ideas that actually work. A reformed tax code that rewards free enterprise, instead of just enterprising lobbyists. A reformed healthcare system that operates by free choice, instead of by force, and doesn’t leave you answering to cold, clueless bureaucrats. A commitment … to building a 21st-Century military — and to giving our veterans the care they were promised, the care that they have earned.”
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With their families behind them, Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump and Vice Presidential nominee Mike Pence are cheered on by delegates at the close of the final day of the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland.
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Balloons drop at the end of the the Republican National Convention in Cleveland.
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On the final night of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Donald Trump celebrates his nomination with his family, and running mate Mike Pence and family.
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Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump waves during the final night of the Republican National Convention, on July 21, 2016, in Cleveland.
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Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump, and Republican Vice Presidential Nominee Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana wave as they stand with their families at the conclusion of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Confetti falls after Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump, addresses the delegates during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Delegates celebrate at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland.
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A sign is left on the chairs as delegate leaves after the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) (Carolyn Kaster / AP)
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New Jersey delegate Christine Serrano Glassier lays on the balloons after the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Confetti and balloons fall during celebrations after Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s acceptance speech on the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump pumps his fist as while standing with his wife Melania, son Barron and Republican Vice Presidential Nominee Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana at the conculsion of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Republican vice presidential candidate Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana waves as confetti and balloons fall during celebrations after Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s acceptance speech on the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump hugs his son Barron as wife Melania watches during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Confetti and balloons fall during celebrations after Donald Trump’s acceptance speech on the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Confetti and balloons fall during celebrations after Donald Trump’s acceptance speech on the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump and wife Melania Trump smile on stage after Trump’s acceptance speech during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Republican Presidential Candidate Donald J. Trump, waves as he walks onto the stage during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump, wraps up his acceptance speech during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump, speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump, speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump, speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Supporters watch Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speak on a outdoor screen in downtown on Thursday, July 21, 2016, in Cleveland, during the final day of the Republican convention.
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Supporters watch Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speak on a outdoor screen in downtown on Thursday, July 21, 2016, in Cleveland, during the final day of the Republican convention.
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Republican Presidential Candidate Donald J. Trump speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Republican Presidential Candidate Donald J. Trump, during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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A protester is taken away as Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Donald Trump speaking during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. (Carolyn Kaster / AP)
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Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump, speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump takes the stage during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump gestures as he speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Ivanka Trump, daughter of Republican Presidential Nominee Donald J. Trump, waves as she walks off stage after introduction her father during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Ivanka Trump, daughter of Republican Presidential Nominee Donald J. Trump, speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Ivanka Trump, daughter of Republican Presidential Nominee Donald J. Trump, speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Tom Barrack, CEO of Colony Capital speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Republican Vice Presidential Nominee Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana, center, talks to Donald Trump, Jr., son of Republican Presidential Candidate Donald J. Trump during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Entrepreneur Peter Thiel speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Delegates dance during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Diane Pennacchio from Montville, N.J., waits for the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Alaska delegate Saul Soltero waves a Trump flag during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Patrick O’Daniel from Austin, Texas, center, and his fellow texas delegates wave their hats during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Gov. Mary Fallin of Oklahoma speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Arizona walks on the stage to speak during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 21, 2016.
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Former NFL quarterback Fran Tarkenton speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Heavenly Joy performs during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Ayla Brown, sings the National Anthem during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Police officer, Dan Brown gets sprayed with bubbles by Avery Jordan, 2, in Public Square on Thursday, July 21, 2016, in Cleveland, during the final day of the Republican convention.
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Donald Trump does a sound check on the final day of the Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland on July 21, 2016.
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Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, Donald’s Trump’s running mate, gestures to the crowd on the third day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 20, 2016.
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Republican Vice Presidential candidate Mike Pence delivers a speech on the third day of the Republican National Convention on July 20, 2016, in Cleveland.
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Donald Trump stands with his family during the third day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 20, 2016.
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Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump attends the third day of the Republican National Convention on July 20, 2016 in Cleveland.
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Former U.S. Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich arrives to speak on the third day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 20, 2016.
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Eric Trump talks about his father during the third day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 20, 2016.
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Texas Sen. Ted Cruz addresses the delegates during the third day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 20, 2016.
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Texas Sen. Ted Cruz gestures as he walks off stage after delivering his speech, and being heavily booed, on the third day of the Republican National Convention on July 20, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
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Donald Trump and his family members listen to Ted Cruz’s speech at the Republican National Convention on July 20, 2016, in Cleveland.
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Donald Trump and his daughter Ivanka at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 20, 2016.
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Conventiongoers react to Sen. Ted Cruz as he addresses delegates during the third day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 20, 2016.
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Attendees react to Sen. Ted Cruz’s speech on the third day of the Republican National Convention on July 20, 2016 in Cleveland.
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Delegates hold up signs in support of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump (and one for Ted Cruz) during the opening of the third day of the Republican National Convention on July 20, 2016 in Cleveland.
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A video of Florida Sen. Marco Rubio is displayed during the third day of the Republican National Convention on July 20, 2016 in Cleveland.
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Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker speaks on the third day of the Republican National Convention on July 20, 2016 in Cleveland.
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Lynne Patton, Vice President of the Eric Trump Foundation, delivers a speech on the third day of the Republican National Convention on July 20, 2016 in Cleveland.
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A delegate cheers as he hoists a sign on day three of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 20, 2016.
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Darrell Scott, senior pastor of New Spirit Revival Center Ministries, speaks during the third day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 20, 2016.
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South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley poses for a photo with a delegate on the third day of the Republican National Convention on July 20, 2016 in Cleveland.
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Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks on the third day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 20, 2016.
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Retired astronaut Eileen Collins speaks during the third day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 20, 2016.
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Eric Trump kisses his wife Lara’s hand during the third day of the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 20, 2016.
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Radio Host Laura Ingraham speaks on the third day of the Republican National Convention on July 20, 2016, in Cleveland.
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Delegates dance before the start of the third day of the Republican National Convention on July 20, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
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Attendees stand during the Pledge of Allegiance on the third day of the Republican National Convention on July 20, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
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Delegates and attendees dance before the start of the third day of the Republican National Convention on July 20, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
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Law enforcement officers take protesters into custody July 20, 2016, in Cleveland during the third day of the Republican convention.
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Donald Trump and his family attend a welcome arrival event with Governor Mike Pence and his family at the Great Lakes Science Centre on July 20, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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A protestor burns a US flag near the entrance to Quicken Loans Arena, site of the Republican National Convention, in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 20, 2016.
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A delegate reacts after Donald Trump was officially nominated during the roll call of states for the nomination of Donald Trump on the second day of the 2016 Republican National Convention at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland on July 19, 2016.
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United Kingdom Independence Party (IKIP) leader Nigel Farage looks on during the McClatchy Morning Buzz at the RNC on July 20, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. UKIP leader Nigel Farage spoke in conversation with McClatchy Senior White House Correspondent Steve Thomma.
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Buttons supporting Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump are on display on July 20, 2016, in Cleveland, during the third day of the Republican convention.
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Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence makes a fist during the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016, at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
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A delegate cheers during the roll call of states on the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016, at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Daughter of Donald Trump, Tiffany Trump, delivers a speech on the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
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A protester is confronted by police during a rally outside the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio on July 19, 2016.
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Dr. Ben Carson speaks on the second day of the Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland on July 19, 2016.
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Donald Trump delivers an address via video to delegates on the second day of the Republican National Convention at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 19, 2016.
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Donald Trump’s children, from left, Donald Jr., Ivanka and Eric, celebrate on the Republican National Convention floor in Cleveland on July 19, 2016.
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A protester confronts an Akron police officer during a demonstration near the site of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Donald Trump Jr. speaks on the second day of the Republican National Convention at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 19, 2016.
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New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie delivers a speech on the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Speaker of the House Paul Ryan delivers a speech on the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Donald Trump delivers an address via video to delegates on the second day of the 2016 Republican National Convention at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 19, 2016.
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A screen projects Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump clinches the GOP nomination on the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Corey Lewandowski, the former campaign manager of Donald Trump, announces the vote for New Hampshire during the roll call of states on the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Members of the Maine delegation cheer as the roll call vote is held during the second day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Tuesday, July 19, 2016.
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California delegates cheer during the second day session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Tuesday, July 19, 2016.
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The roll call vote is conducted in the Quicken Loans Arena during the second day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Tuesday, July 19, 2016.
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Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., nominates Donald Trump as the Republican candidate for President during the second day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Tuesday, July 19, 2016.
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Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, speaks during the second day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Tuesday, July 19, 2016. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
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Supporters of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump yell as police watch at Public Square on July 19, 2016, in Cleveland, during the second day of the Republican convention.
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Police officers stand in formation in between opposing groups of demonstrators in Public Square on Tuesday, July 19, 2016, in Cleveland, during the second day of the Republican convention.
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Alex Jones, a conspiracy theorist and radio show host, is escorted out of a crowd of protesters after he said he was attacked in Public Square on July 19, 2016, in Cleveland, during the second day of the Republican convention.
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Police stand guard as a group of religioius extremists holds a protest near the site of the Republican National Convention in downtown Cleveland on July 19, 2016.
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Law enforcement stands watch near a large poster of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at Public Square on July 19, 2016, in Cleveland, during the second day of the Republican convention.
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Tevor Leis, exercising his Ohio open carry rights, stands armed in Public Square on July 19, 2016, in Cleveland, during the second day of the Republican convention.
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Donald Trump Jr., son of Republican presidential vandidate Donald Trump, talks with reporters on the stage of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 19, 2016.
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Donald Trump Jr., son of of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, talks to reporters after his sound check at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 19, 2016.
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Brad Houston sells souvenirs at Public Square on July 19, 2016, in Cleveland during the second day of the Republican convention.
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Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump gives a thumbs up to the crowd after his wife, Melania, delivered a speech on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016, at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
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Melania Trump, wife of presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, delivers a speech on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016, at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
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Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump introduces his wife, Melania, on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016, at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
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Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump gives s thumbs up while introducing his wife, Melania, on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016, at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
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Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump enters the stage to introduce his wife, Melania, on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016, at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
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Two men wearing Donald Trump hats and holstered pistols are detained by the Secret Service near the entrance of the secure area of the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland.
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On the first night of the Republican National Convention, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie enters the arena in Cleveland.
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Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani speaks during the opening day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 18, 2016.
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On the first night of the Republican National Convention, delegates from Texas wave their hats in response to veterans.
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David Clarke, sheriff of Milwaukee County, Wis., salutes after speaking during the opening day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 18, 2016.
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On the first night of the Republican National Convention, former Sen. Bob Dole is in attendance.
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On the first night of the Republican National Convention, Newt Gingrich holds his hand over his heart during the Pledge of Allegiance.
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Pat Smith, mother of Benghazi victim Sean Smith, salutes after speaking during the opening day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 18, 2016.
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Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry walks toward the podium before addressing delegates during the opening day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 18, 2016.
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Actor Scott Baio gives two thumbs up after addressing the delegates during the opening day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 18, 2016.
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Anti-Trump protesters march to Perk Plaza during a demonstration July 18, 2016, in Cleveland, during the first day of the Republican convention.
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Delegates cheer after GOP officials upheld a voice vote on a rules package during the Republican National Convention in Cleveland.
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Illinois delegate Christian Gramm, left, and other delegates react as some call for a roll call vote on the adoption of the rules during the first day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 18, 2016.
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Delegates react as some delegates call for a roll call vote on the adoption of the rules during the opening day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 18, 2016.
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Reince Priebus, chairman of the Republican National Committee, bangs the gavel as resolutions are adopted during first day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 18, 2016.
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Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark., listens to a voice vote on the adoption of the rules during the opening day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 18, 2016.
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Two people argue in a public square near the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 18, 2016.
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Delegates bow their heads in prayer as the Republican National Convention gets underway in Cleveland.
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Delegates walk outside of Quicken Loans Arena before the opening session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 18, 2016.
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Tom Pauken, Republican delegate from Texas, takes off his hat before the start of the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016, at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Pamphlets on the chairs of the state delegates on the floor on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016, at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, R-Wis., joined by his wife Janna Ryan, checks out the stage during preparation for the Republican National Convention inside Quicken Loans Arena on July 17, 2016, in Cleveland.
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A convention attendee walks through downtown Cleveland on July 17, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio. A
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Police patrol on horseback through downtown Cleveland on July 17, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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A man wearing a Donald Trump mask walks through downtown on July 17, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Comedian Stephen Colbert tapes a segment on the floor of the Republican National Convention for CBS’s “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” at the Quicken Loans Arena on July 17, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Workers place a sign as they prepare at Quicken Loans Arena for the Republican National Convention on July 17, 2016, in Cleveland.
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Daniel Shepherd levels a pole marking the section for delegates from the District of Columbia in preparation for the Republican National Convention in the Quicken Loans Arena on July 16, 2016.
(Patrick Semansky / AP)
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Workers hang signage on July 16, 2016, inside the Quicken Loans Arena, the site of the 2016 Republican National Convention.
(Tannen Maury / EPA)
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The finishing touches are added to a large American flag on the outside of the Quicken Loans Arena on July 15, 2016.
(J. David Ake / AP)
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A podium microphone and teleprompters stand ready on stage ahead of the Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans Arena on July 16, 2016.
(John Moore / Getty Images)
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Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson, left, and director of the Secret Service Joseph Clancy tour the floor of the Quicken Loans Arena as final preparations continue for the Republican National Convention on July 15, 2016.
(Win McNamee / Getty Images)
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A police dog patrols the floor of the Quicken Loans Arena on July 15, 2016.
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A news photographer snags images of nets filled with thousands of red, white and blue balloons before they are lifted into the ceiling of the Quicken Loans Arena on July 15, 2016.
(Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images)
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Workers position nets filled with balloons as preparations continue for the Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans Arena on July 15, 2016.
(Mark J. Terrill / AP)
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A city ambassador bikes past the Quicken Loans Arena amid preparations for the arrival of visitors and delegates to the Republican National Convention on July 15, 2016.
(Dominick Reuter / AFP/Getty Images)
The speaker is popular among rank-and-file lawmakers who appreciate his willingness to take center stage at a time when many of them prefer to avoid tough questions.
But as the convention opened Monday, Ryan notably skipped presiding over the convention’s first day when a raucous floor flight erupted in opposition to Trump’s nomination. Ryan’s schedule had been set earlier, aides said, but his absence enabled him to avoid taking sides in the messy showdown.
“It’s not fun,” said Michael Steel, a former top aide to Boehner and Trump rival Jeb Bush.
“This was the year that a reform-minded conservative presidential nominee, against an incredibly flawed Democratic nominee, had a chance of winning the White House,” Steel said, adding the speaker’s job is to help his fellow Republicans win races, “regardless who is at the top of the ticket.
“The speaker and his staff have helped adroitly with that, under the circumstances.”
Lisa Mascaro previously covered Congress in Washington, D.C., for the Los Angeles Times. She left in February 2018. A Los Angeles-area native, she has reported across Southern California, edited, traveled the States and worked in Texas. While the Washington correspondent for the Las Vegas Sun, she contributed as the paper won the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service. An economics and political science graduate of UC Santa Barbara, she also studied in Budapest, Hungary.