Donald Trump’s visit to Denver Friday promised great political theater, but came off more like just another show.

One would have thought the blustery New York billionaire would have seen an opportunity here. Tremendous opportunity, as he might have put it. Tremendous!!!

After all, here was a presidential nominee appearing in a swing state before fellow Republicans that he has so far shunned and called corrupt. Many Republican leaders in Colorado have been keeping their distance. The state’s highest-ranking Republican, U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner, has not only withheld his support from the political phenomenon, he even called him a “buffoon” in the not-so-distant past.

Colorado activists this spring voted to send Trump exactly zero delegates to the party’s national convention, preferring instead to give all 34 GOP delegates to Ted Cruz. And even now, a small group of Colorado conservatives are conspiring to deny Trump the nomination.

Michael Reaves, The Denver Post Protesters during Donald Trump's campaign stop in Denver Friday, July 1, 2016.

RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post Donald J. Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential candidate headlines the 2016 Western Conservative Summit at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, July 1, 2016. It is the 7th annual Western Conservative Summit.

RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post Donald J. Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential candidate headlines the 2016 Western Conservative Summit at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, July 01, 2016. It is the 7th annual Western Conservative Summit.



Michael Reaves, The Denver Post Protesters during Donald Trump's campaign stop in Denver Friday, July 1, 2016.

RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post Donald J. Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential candidate headlines the 2016 Western Conservative Summit at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver on July 1, 2016. It is the 7th annual Western Conservative Summit.

Michael Reaves, The Denver Post Pro-Trump supporter Karen Kennedy, left, argues with anti-Trump protestor Andrew Carr outside the Western Conservative Summit on July 1, 2016.



RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post Dede Laugesen takes a photo of Donald J. Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential candidate, as he walks on stage during the 2016 Western Conservative Summit at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver on July 01, 2016. It is the 7th annual Western Conservative Summit.

RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post Donald J. Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential candidate headlines the 2016 Western Conservative Summit at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver on July 1, 2016. It is the 7th annual Western Conservative Summit.

Michael Reaves, The Denver Post Donald Trump supporter Devin Bilski, left, and anti-Trump protestor Brenda Carrasco stare down each other face-to-face outside the Western Conservative Summit on July 1, 2016.



Seth McConnell, The Denver Post An Anti-Trump supporter sports a sign during an Anti-Trump rally at the corner of 14th and California in Denver on July 1, 2016.

Andy Cross, The Denver Post Anti-Donald Trump protesters at the intersection of 14th and California, across the street from the Colorado Convention Center, where Trump was speaking July 1, 2016. The Trump supporter and a protester were detained after the incident.

RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post Donald J. Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential candidate headlines the 2016 Western Conservative Summit at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver on July 1, 2016. It is the 7th annual Western Conservative Summit.



Michael Reaves, The Denver Post Protesters during Donald Trump's campaign stop in Denver Friday, July 1, 2016. (Michael Reaves, The Denver Post)

Michael Reaves, The Denver Post Police patrol during Donald Trump's campaign stop in Denver Friday, July 1, 2016. (Michael Reaves, The Denver Post)

Andy Cross, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - July 01: An anti-Donald Trump protester gets in the face of a Trump supporter at the intersection of 14th and California, across the street from the Colorado Convention Center where Mr. Trump was speaking July 01, 2016. The Trump supporter and a protester were detained after the incident. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)



Seth McConnell, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 1: An Anti-Trump protester during the Anti-Trump rally at the corner of 14th and California in Denver, Colorado on July 1, 2016. (Photo by Seth McConnell/The Denver Post)

RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post Donald J. Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential candidate headlines the 2016 Western Conservative Summit at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, July 01, 2016. It is the 7th annual Western Conservative Summit.

Andy Cross, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - July 01: An anti-Donald Trump protester, right, and a Trump supporter, left, (orange shirt) get detained after a scuffle at the intersection of 14th and California, across the street from the Colorado Convention Center where Mr. Trump was speaking July 01, 2016. The Trump supporter and a protester were detained after the incident. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)



DENVER, CO - JULY 1: Devin Bilski, left, sticks his finger in the face of Anti-Trump protester Brenda Carrasco during an Anti-Trump rally at the corner of 14th and California in Denver, Colorado on July 1, 2016. (Photo by Seth McConnell/The Denver Post)

Andy Cross, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - July 01: Denver Police stand by in front of the Colorado Convention Center during a anti-Donald Trump protest at 14th and California. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)

Michael Reaves, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 1: An anti-Trump protester and a Trump supporter clash outside the Western Conservative Summit on July 1, 2016. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)



Andy Cross, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - July 01: A Donald Trump supporter, bottom center, (orange shirt) and anti-Trump protesters get in a scuffle at 14th and California, in front of the Colorado Convention Center where Mr. Trump was speaking July 01, 2016. The Trump supporter and a protester were detained after the incident. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)

Andy Cross, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - July 01: Construction workers pause to watch an anti-Donald Trump protest near the intersection of 14th and California, across the street from the Colorado Convention Center where Mr. Trump was speaking July 01, 2016. The Trump supporter and a protester were detained after the incident. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)

Andy Cross, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - July 01: Denver Officers in tactical gear unload along 14th Ave near California during a anti-Trump protest across the street from the Colorado Convention Center where Mr. Trump was speaking July 01, 2016. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)



RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 01 Former GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin speaks during the 2016 Western Conservative the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, July 01, 2016. It is the 7th annual Western Conservative Summit. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)

Andy Cross, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - July 01: Donald Trump supporters and anti-Trump protesters argue at the intersection of 14th and California, in front of the Colorado Convention Center where Mr. Trump was speaking July 01, 2016. The Trump supporter and a protester were detained after the incident. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)

RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 01 Former GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin speaks during the 2016 Western Conservative Summit the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, July 01, 2016. It is the 7th annual Western Conservative Summit. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)



Seth McConnell, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 1: Cheyenne De Christopher chants during an Anti-Trump rally at the corner of 14th and California in Denver, Colorado on July 1, 2016. (Photo by Seth McConnell/The Denver Post)

Michael Reaves, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 1: Greg, who did not provide a last name, points to his hat when asked what Donald Trump's policies are outside the Western Conservative Summit on July 1, 2016. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)

Seth McConnell, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 1: Pro-Trump supporter Greg, no last name given, uses a sign to block out a protester's megaphone during an Anti-Trump rally at the corner of 14th and California in Denver, Colorado on July 1, 2016. (Photo by Seth McConnell/The Denver Post)



RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 01 Former GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin speaks during the 2016 Western Conservative Summit the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, July 01, 2016. It is the 7th annual Western Conservative Summit. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)

RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 01: Secret service looks over the stage as Donald J. Trump speaks the 2016 Western Conservative Summit the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, July 01, 2016. It is the 7th annual Western Conservative Summit. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)

Andy Cross, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - July 01: An anti-Donald Trump protester gets taken away after a scuffle at an anti-Trump protest at the intersection of 14th and California, across the street from the Colorado Convention Center where Mr. Trump was speaking July 01, 2016. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)



RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 01: Secret service looks over the stage as Sarah Palin speaks the 2016 Western Conservative Summit the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, July 01, 2016. It is the 7th annual Western Conservative Summit. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)

Seth McConnell, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 1: Protesters chant during an Anti-Trump rally at the corner of 14th and California in Denver, Colorado on July 1, 2016. (Photo by Seth McConnell/The Denver Post)

RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 01 Former GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin speaks during the 2016 Western Conservative Summit the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, July 01, 2016. It is the 7th annual Western Conservative Summit. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)



RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 01: A man wears his red, white, and blue socks the 2016 Western Conservative Summit the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, July 01, 2016. It is the 7th annual Western Conservative Summit. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)

RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 01 Former GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin speaks during the 2016 Western Conservative Summit the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, July 01, 2016. It is the 7th annual Western Conservative Summit. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)

Seth McConnell, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 1: Protesters chant during an Anti-Trump rally at the corner of 14th and California in Denver, Colorado on July 1, 2016. (Photo by Seth McConnell/The Denver Post)



Seth McConnell, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 1: Denver Police Officer keep an eye on the crowd during an Anti-Trump rally at the corner of 14th and California in Denver, Colorado on July 1, 2016. (Photo by Seth McConnell/The Denver Post)

Seth McConnell, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 1: Pro-Trump supporter Greg, no last name given, uses a sign to block out a protesters megaphone during an Anti-Trump rally at the corner of 14th and California in Denver, Colorado on July 1, 2016. (Photo by Seth McConnell/The Denver Post)

Michael Reaves, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 1: Daniel Mason, an anti-Trump protester, dresses as a Teletubbie outside the Western Conservative Summit on July 1, 2016. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)



Seth McConnell, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 1: An Anti-Trump protester is lead away after getting into a physical altercation with a Pro-Trump supporter at an Anti-Trump rally at the corner of 14th and California in Denver, Colorado on July 1, 2016. (Photo by Seth McConnell/The Denver Post)

RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 01: Crystal Gallimore, of Fort Collins, waits to see Donald J. Trump and Sarah Palin during the 2016 Western Conservative Summit the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, July 01, 2016. It is the 7th annual Western Conservative Summit. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)

Michael Reaves, The Denver Post Donald Trump protesters during the Trump campaign stop in Denver Friday, July 1, 2016. (Michael Reaves, The Denver Post)



Andy Cross, The Denver Post Progress Now Colorado building "tearing down walls of hate" anti-trump wall Friday, July 1, 2016. (Andy Cross, The Denver Post)

Andy Cross, The Denver Post Progress Now Colorado building "tearing down walls of hate" anti-trump wall Friday, July 1, 2016. (Andy Cross, The Denver Post)

Michael Reaves, The Denver Post Donald Trump protesters during the Trump campaign stop in Denver Friday, July 1, 2016. (Michael Reaves, The Denver Post)



RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 01: Kaitlyn Wender stands in front of the Western Conservative Summit sign as she arrive to see Donald J. Trump and Sarah Palin at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, July 01, 2016. It is the 7th annual Western Conservative Summit. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)

RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 01: Donald J. Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential candidate, and former GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin will headline the 2016 Western Conservative Summit the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, July 01, 2016. It is the 7th annual Western Conservative Summit. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)

Michael Reaves, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 1: Devin Bilski, left, argues with a anti-Trump protester outside the Western Conservative Summit on July 1, 2016. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)



RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 01: Carl and Beth Nagy, from Arvada arrive early to see Donald J. Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential candidate, and former GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin at the 2016 Western Conservative Western the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, July 01, 2016. It is the 7th annual Western Conservative Summit. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)

Andy Cross, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - July 01: Artists Daniel Castillo, right, and Delton Demarest, spray paint on a large canvas mural propped up on a cardboard box wall at Civic Center Park July 01, 2016. ProgressNow Colorado hosted a peaceful event titled, “Tearing Down the Wall of Hate” in conjunction with GOP Presidential candidate Donald Trump's visit to the Western Conservative Summit. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)

RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 01: Anna Heintzelman waits to see Donald J. Trump during the 2016 Western Conservative Summit the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, July 01, 2016. It is the 7th annual Western Conservative Summit. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)



Seth McConnell, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 1: Protesters chant during an Anti-Trump rally at the corner of 14th and California in Denver, Colorado on July 1, 2016. (Photo by Seth McConnell/The Denver Post)

Seth McConnell, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 1: Greg, no last name given, argues with Anti-Trump supporter Brenda Carrasco during an Anti-Trump rally at the corner of 14th and California in Denver, Colorado on July 1, 2016. (Photo by Seth McConnell/The Denver Post)

Andy Cross, The Denver Post Former U.S. Congressman Tom Tancredo speaks during a pro-Donald Trump rally on the west steps of the Colorado State Capitol July 01, 2016.



Seth McConnell, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 1: Protesters chant during an Anti-Trump rally at the corner of 14th and California in Denver, Colorado on July 1, 2016. (Photo by Seth McConnell/The Denver Post)

Seth McConnell, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 1: Earl Wenngren and his wife Bonnie Wenngren show their support during an Anti-Trump rally at the corner of 14th and California in Denver, Colorado on July 1, 2016. (Photo by Seth McConnell/The Denver Post)

Seth McConnell, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 1: Pro-Trump and Anti-Trump protesters argue during an Anti-Trump rally at the corner of 14th and California in Denver, Colorado on July 1, 2016. (Photo by Seth McConnell/The Denver Post)



Seth McConnell, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 1: Protesters chant during an Anti-Trump rally at the corner of 14th and California in Denver, Colorado on July 1, 2016. (Photo by Seth McConnell/The Denver Post)

Andy Cross, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - July 01: Pro-Donald Trump supporters rally on the west steps of the Colorado State Capitol July 01, 2016. The GOP Presidential Candidate was in town for the Western Conservative Summit. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)

Seth McConnell, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 1: Denver Police Officer keep an eye on the crowd during an Anti-Trump rally at the corner of 14th and California in Denver, Colorado on July 1, 2016. (Photo by Seth McConnell/The Denver Post)



Seth McConnell, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 1: David Imber, left, of Fort Lauderdale, FL argues with Ian Lisman, of Denver, during an Anti-Trump rally at the corner of 14th and California in Denver, Colorado on July 1, 2016. (Photo by Seth McConnell/The Denver Post)

Seth McConnell, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 1: An Anti-Trump protester during the Anti-Trump rally at the corner of 14th and California in Denver, Colorado on July 1, 2016. (Photo by Seth McConnell/The Denver Post)

Seth McConnell, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 1: Sean Valdez talks to a Pro-Trump supporter during an Anti-Trump rally at the corner of 14th and California in Denver, Colorado on July 1, 2016. (Photo by Seth McConnell/The Denver Post)



Seth McConnell, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 1: Pro-Trump and Anti-Trump protesters argue during an Anti-Trump rally at the corner of 14th and California in Denver, Colorado on July 1, 2016. (Photo by Seth McConnell/The Denver Post)

Seth McConnell, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 1: Pro-Trump and Anti-Trump protesters argue during an Anti-Trump rally at the corner of 14th and California in Denver, Colorado on July 1, 2016. (Photo by Seth McConnell/The Denver Post)

Andy Cross, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - July 01: Pro-Donald Trump supporter Mark Auville shows his support at a rally on the west steps of the Colorado State Capitol July 01, 2016. The GOP Presidential Candidate was in town for the Western Conservative Summit. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)



Andy Cross, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - July 01: Marine Corp Veteran Jonathan Rash shows his support during a pro-Donald Trump rally on the west steps of the Colorado State Capitol July 01, 2016. The GOP Presidential Candidate was in town for the Western Conservative Summit. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)

Michael Reaves, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 1: Anti-Trump signs sit on the ground outside the Western Conservative Summit on July 1, 2016. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)

Michael Reaves, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 1: An anti-Trump supporter wears a pin outside the Western Conservative Summit on July 1, 2016. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)



Michael Reaves, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 1: Police keep the peace during the anti-Trump protests outside the Western Conservative Summit on July 1, 2016. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)

Andy Cross, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - July 01: Pro-Donald Trump supporters rally on the west steps of the Colorado State Capitol July 01, 2016. The GOP Presidential Candidate was in town for the Western Conservative Summit. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)

Michael Reaves, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 1: Police keep the peace during the anti-Trump protests outside the Western Conservative Summit on July 1, 2016. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)



Michael Reaves, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 1: Anti-Trump protestors chant in protest outside the Western Conservative Summit on July 1, 2016. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)

DENVER, CO - JULY 1: Anti-Trump protesters chant in protest outside the Western Conservative Summit on July 1, 2016. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)

Michael Reaves, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 1: A pinata impersonating Donald Trump hangs from a noose outside the Western Conservative Summit on July 1, 2016. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)



Michael Reaves, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 1: An anti-Trump protester yells a chant outside the Western Conservative Summit on July 1, 2016. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)

Michael Reaves, The Denver Post DENVER, CO - JULY 1: A man tries to calm tempers during anti-Trump and pro-Trump debates outside the Western Conservative Summit on July 1, 2016. (Photo by Michael Reaves/The Denver Post)

Michael Reaves, The Denver Post Donald Trump pins during the Trump campaign stop in Denver Friday, July 1, 2016. (Michael Reaves, The Denver Post)



Michael Reaves, The Denver Post Donald Trump hats during the Trump campaign stop in Denver Friday, July 1, 2016. (Michael Reaves, The Denver Post)

Would Trump seek to heal the wounds?

Not so much. Before a polite audience that failed to fill the hall on the opening day of the Western Conservative Summit, Trump quickly brought up but failed to address the controversy he ignited when he said Colorado Republicans were corrupt, adding: “The system is rigged.”

It’s a dubious claim that already has been vetted. Keeping the argument alive now hardly seems best for his efforts to win here. But Trump did little more than try to smooth it over by claiming: “In the end, it doesn’t matter. Here we are.”

It was as if he thought all he had to do in coming to Colorado was take the high road and forgive the silly conservatives who have issues with his candidacy.

Trump did offer a full slate of campaign promises about how he would take on important issues, including the fight against terrorism and reinvigorating the economy. He maintained his hard-line stance on walling the border to Mexico. He praised the NRA and talked up support he has received from evangelical voters, thereby reaching out to key Colorado constituencies. He noted that a key Supreme Court seat needed to be filled.

But he continued his anti-trade rhetoric, which would seem a poor fit for a more libertarian-minded state with an increasingly important tech sector and generally strong economy. And then, nearing the end of his rambling, 50-minute speech, he circled back to more bluster about a rigged political system, despite the fact of his national success.

Trump ended by saying that if he were president America would start winning again. The wins would become so plentiful, in fact, that Coloradans were going to get sick of so much winning, he said.

It was the kind of line a performer makes wherever the act takes him, but with the place name swapped out to fit the venue.

Grand political theater it wasn’t, and we wonder if Coloradans already are sick of this kind of winning.

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