The Republican National Committee Convention 2016 en.wikipedia.org |
It is Day Three of the Republican National Committee Convention in Cleveland, Ohio and it has been anything but dull. So far we have had a quashed rebellion, charges of plagiarism, the norovirus, and Lucifer. Oh and by the way, Donald J. Trump was formally nominated as the Republican standard bearer in the fall Presidential Campaign. Today, the featured speaker is Vice President nominee, Governor Mike Pence (R-IN). Let us take a closer look at the last two days of the Convention, meet Gov. Pence, and look at what is ahead.
Monday July 18, 2016, Day One. In a word, disaster. The Convention barely got started when Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort telling multiple television interviews, "...that Ohio John Kasich was 'embarrassing' his state for ducking the convention." ( http://www.theatlantic.com; access Jul 20, 2016). Not a great way start off the Convention, calling the popular governor of a key state "embarrassing." Memo to Mr. Manafort, the path to the White House goes through the Buckeye state. Monday afternoon, a mini-rebellion by the Never Trump faction was quashed by pro-Trump forces and the docile RNC staff. The anti-Trump forces tried to force a full roll call vote on the party platform. What was that about a rigged system. Then came disaster.
What do you think? cnbc.com |
Why does this matter? A charge of plagiarism blunts the message. In this case, an attempt to humanize a polarizing candidate. Monday night's speech was suppose to be Melania Trump's formal introduction to the American audience. Instead of basking in the glory of the moment, the Trump campaign was in damage control mode. Mr. Manafort feebly tried to downplay the episode, blaming Madame Secretary. Republican Party Chairperson Reince Preibus said Mr. Trump's speechwriter should be fired. That has not happened. That was Day One. Was Day Two better?
State signs on the convention floor usnews.com |
What did happen on Day two. First, Donald Trump is the official Republican nominee for the office of the President, whether or not the RNC likes it. It was simply matter political necessity and the rules. However, should Mr. Trump come up short in November, it is absolutely imperative that the RNC
The Trump adult children buzzfeed.com |
Governor Mike Pence (R-IN) in.gov |
Indiana Governor Mike Pence is the lucky one chosen to be Donald Trump's running mate. Gov. Pence was born and raise in the Hoosier state. He was elected the 50th governor of Indiana in 2012 and formally inaugurated January 14, 2013. Prior to becoming governor, Gov. Pence represented Indiana's Sixth Congressional District in Washington D.C. Since taking office in 2013, he achieved the largest tax cuts in Indiana while reducing the business personal property tax and corporate income tax. He expanded school choice, enhanced educational opportunities by signing into law the first state funding for pre-K education in Indiana. The governor has worked with the General Assembly to craft a balanced budget that maintains a reserves. Gov. Pence is also a strong supporter of the military and has made it a priority to reduce veteran unemployment. Governor Mike Pence is married to former school teacher Karen Pence and have three grown children. (http://www.in.gov; accessed Jul 20, 2016)
Governor Pence was introduced to the American public in a rather strange manner. Like nervous reality competition show finalists, Gov. Christie, former Speaker Newt Gingrich, and Gov. Pence all waited on pins and needles for the proverbial tap on the shoulder. Both Gov. Christie and former Speaker Gingrich thought the VP winds were blowing their way. Meanwhile, Gov. Pence was left in suspense in an anonymous New York hotel room, last Thursday evening, long after Trump became convinced that the Indiana governor was the one and long after the news starting leaking out. In typical fashion, Mr. Trump milked it up until the last moment before tweeting out the news. The selection process was marked by haphazardness, missed communication and opportunities. Even his campaign did not have a new web page ready. What does this all mean for the campaign? (http://www.time.com; access Jul 20, 2016)
Governor Pence and Donald Trump cnn.com |
r. Trump seemed to zero in on Gov. Pence despite last minute appeals by Gov. Christie and Speaker Gingrich. By Friday, the decision was made and tweeted. Now it remains to be seen how they will work together on the campaign trail.T
No comments:
Post a Comment