10 questions that could decide impact of Trump convention

Will the idea of "President Donald Trump" seem plausible by Thursday night? Or will rioting and big-name no-shows take the spotlight off this week's Republican convention? Here are 10 questions whose answers could decide whether Republicans emerge unified and looking ahead, or spend the rest of the summer trying to recover:

1. Can anti-Trump forces succeed? No. But they can grab media attention Monday. They'll try to get the convention to free delegates to vote for whomever they want, but that's expected to be quashed quickly and decisively. Trump's forces are ready. They'll have supporters positioned around the hall Monday, watching their delegates and making sure they stay in line.

2. Will no-shows get a lot of attention? Hometown reporters will send stories and tweets about how their top Republican officials aren't there.

3. Will protests get more attention than the convention? Perhaps. Thousands are expected to demonstrate in the city. If it happens, particularly in this age of instant video, media will regard that as more newsworthy than the parade of speakers in the hall.

4. Who will be the breakout stars? Conventions can vault little-known political figures into the limelight. Barack Obama's 2004 Democratic keynote speech launched his national political career. This year's roster has some potential, particularly since it's largely a collection of nonpolitical figures likely to tell personal stories rather than promote Republican ideology.

5. Will Ted Cruz shine? He has 559 of the 2,472 delegates, but an estimated twice that number are viewed as fans. Cruz is a dynamic speaker with an eye on 2020.

6. Will anyone remember Pence? Conservatives love him, but most voters forget vice presidential candidates after their acceptance speeches. He'll be seen again in the Oct. 4 vice presidential debate.

8. Can Democrat-bashing go too far? GOP leaders see Democrat Hillary Clinton as everything they're opposing, but going too far in demonizing her could alienate the undecided voters the party needs to attract.

9. Will Trump be Trump? The acceptance speech, the convention's closing act, is the moment he can show dubious voters he has the gravitas, temperament and judgment to be president. It's a speech that traditionally touches on both the personal and the visionary, though Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort says the speech will be "a more personal message."

10. Will Trump get a lasting bounce? Candidates usually gain a few points in polls after their conventions (and often lose them quickly). Trump, though, is already well known.