Whether you’re a conservative Republican, liberal Democrat or all over the political spectrum, the Republican National Convention has caught the eyes of many. Throughout the past four days, delegates of the Republican Party met in Cleveland, Ohio to select the party’s nominees for the upcoming presidential election and establish the party’s platform for this coming election cycle. Like this campaigning season, the convention contained drama and uncertainty like no other.
Although Donald Trump was expected to clench the nomination after pulling away from his competitors, he officially accepted the position on July 21st. While the businessman accepted the battle for the presidency and to “Make America great again,” he chose his running mate, Mike Pence. As the governor of Indiana, the VP selection gives Trump strong bonds to the GOP community.
Pence has been known for his extremely traditional credentials, sticking to his Christian views and more recently, advocating for social equality. In my opinion, I believe that Trump’s selection of a far right-winged vice presidential candidate, and Pence’s close relationship with the party, will help bridge the wary gap between Donald and Washington. The duo share a diverse range of political views, such as Pence’s lack of support to bar Muslims in the United States, will make for a good balance in the oval office.
Various speakers took the stage throughout the convention, including leading republican figures such as former presidential candidates, republican congressmen, and Trump family members, including wife Melania Trump.
On the opening night of the Republican National Convention, Melania gave an empowering speech, which placed emphasis on respecting others and working hard. While many were pleased with her apparent “self-wrote” speech and killer fashion style, a Twitter observer noticed the similarity of here remarks to Michelle Obama’s 2008 democratic convention speech. Though it was not completely verbatim, about two paragraphs were allegedly copied from the first lady’s speech, which were very similar in writing structure as well as themes. At first, Melania stated that she wrote the speech herself with as little help as possible. After the incident, she came out to the public to tell that speechwriters wrote it.
Days after Melania Trump’s speech, different theories over the matter emerged all over social media. Was she set up? Did she know about the extreme similarity her speech had to Michelle’s? Was it done on purpose? The Trump campaign issued a statement stating “Melania’s team of writers took notes on her life’s inspirations and in some instances included fragments that reflected her own thinking.” Later on, one of her speechwriters, Meredith McIver, spoke out about the speech and said she was to blame. The writer had also said she was prepared to give in her resignation, though Donald did not accept it. McIver has worked for the Trump organization for over a decade and is known for her attention to detail. So how could such an experienced detailed individual make such a huge mistake? It definitely seems a little fishy to me. Personally, I believe that this “error” was done on purpose to draw greater attention to the Trump campaign. Donald appears as a genuine caring man as he did not fire his employee. He once stated that “any publicity is good publicity,” and The Donald certainly received it.
Former opponent Ted Cruz spoke at the convention as well. After holding his ground to not support the Trump campaign, Cruz received boos from the audience. Cruz’s refusal made him seem selfish and the crowd was not happy with him. At the end of his speech, Trump had appeared in his VIP section and gave Cruz a frustrated thumbs-up. In his concluding remarks, Cruz congratulated Trump on his nomination and said that he wants the party to prevail in the November. Although he is not endorsing Trump, he is still standing by the Republican party.
In the upcoming days, the democratic national convention will be in full swing. Democratic nominee, Hillary Clinton has just announced her running mate, Tim Kaine.
