Blogger Candidate Forum: The Republican National Convention

The Republican National Committee Convention 2016
en.wikipedia.org

Hello Everyone:

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

The keynote speaker on Monday evening was Melania Trump, Mr. Trump's wife.  The intention was to introduce Ms. Trump to the national stage and humanize her husband.  Overall, it was a typical fawning spouse-of-the-candidate speech.  Normally this kind of speech would be met with kudos.  This was not the case.  During the course of Ms. Trump's presentation, the twittering and posting masses began to notice similarities between her "...her beautiful speech..." (Ibid) and the speech giving by then-prospective First Lady Michelle Obama in 2008.  Take a look at the image on the left and decide for yourself.  The outcry was fast and mighty from coast-to-coast.  Mr. Manafort quickly denied any cribbing and in a fit of total arrogance, blamed Secretary Hillary Clinton, claiming that Madame Secretary felt threatened by Ms. Trump and went after her.  Really?  Ms. Trump feebly told NBC that she was the primary author, read it only once, and wrote it with as little help as possible.  By early Tuesday morning, the Trump campaign issued a statement blaming an unnamed speechwriter.  We now the name of said speechwriter, Meredith McIver who offered her resignation but it was rejected.

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

Day two was a little better.  At least no one carted off to jail on national television.  Some of the California state officials did get sick from norovirus.  Nothing like getting sick, out of town, to ruin a convention.  Feel better.

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

establishment make it seem like a convincing defeat, not an act of sabotage.  House of Representatives Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis) made it clear that Mr. Trump was a really different candidate.  In a speech that tried to cover up all the primary nastiness by providing a more positive narrative of governance.  It was not a stirring speech but it did provide a counterpoint to the Trump bombast.  Day Two was "meet the family" night.  Donald, Jr. and Tiffany Trump took to the stage to offer more testimony of the human side of dear old dad.  Cribbing aside, the kids are alright.  Finally, Governor Chris Christie (R-NJ) set out make a case against Sec. Clinton and why Mr. Trump should have chosen him as his running mate.  While his case against Madame Secretary was weak, the intention of the speech was not unnoticed.  This may be Gov. Christie's last stand but he is not going out quietly.  Let us now meet the man chosen to be Donald Trump's running mate.

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

By choosing Governor Pence, Mr. Trump demonstrates a more mature attitude.  Gov. Pence has deep legislative career and close ties to the conservative movement.  This gives Mr. Trump the kind of credibility he needs with conservative groups.  Gov. Pence is a safe choice.  A safe choice over star power.  (Ibid)  Governor Pence is a good counterpoint to the Trumpian showmanship.  He is a little-known social conservative, who back Senator Ted Cruz in the primaries.  Both gentlemen had no relationship prior to the vetting process.  Unlike Gov. Christie or former Speaker Gingrich, he did not actively campaign for the job, unless you count a Fourth of July golf weekend.  Mr. Trump was not swayed by the promise of a substantial contribution by casino magnate Shel Adelson in exchange for choosing Speaker Gingrich.  By last Wednesday, M
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