Tim Bryce: Your guide to what happened day three in Cleveland
The third day of the 41st Republican National Convention in Cleveland continued on Wednesday.
As in Day 2, the main street media was preoccupied with Melania Trump’s speech from Day 1 and little else. Their only objection from Day 2 came from the delegates chanting “Lock Her Up!” during Governor Chris Christie’s session last night.
Again, it appears the media is preoccupied with diverting the public’s attention away from the messages emanating from the GOP convention. This will no doubt continue until the convention is in the history books. They are also claiming there are not enough minorities represented in the convention. Perhaps they are working on a quota system.
The biggest concern going into tonight’s session is what Trump’s former GOP presidential rivals will say tonight. This includes Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin, Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, and particularly Senator Ted Cruz of Texas. The big question is whether they will endorse Mr. Trump or not. Keep in mind, they pledged to do so early in the campaign on national television.
In terms of protesters, there was a flag burning incident which the police quickly subdued. Anti-Trump people were seen holding signs claiming, “America was never great.” Aside from this incident, opposing protesters have kept the peace so far. There is a good chance cooler heads will remain calm, but it might change Thursday when Trump addresses the convention as the Republican candidate.
CALL TO ORDER
As usual, Chairman of the RNC Reince Priebus, called the meeting to order at 7:50pm ET.
WEDNESDAY’S SPEAKERS
The theme for Day 3 was “Make America First Again”
Like Days 1 AND 2, the speaker list was a long one. The following is a brief summary of the prime time speakers:
Florida Governor Rick Scott kicked off the evening by thanking everyone for the prayers and assistance for the victims of the recent Orlando shootings. He has known Donald Trump for twenty years. He claimed the Democrats are pushing the country over a cliff, and it is time to do the right thing and vote them out of office.
Radio commentator Laura Ingraham gave a lengthy talk about the problems with Mrs. Clinton and why “we have to turn this around.” She told the former GOP candidates to honor their pledge and endorse Trump. She closed by admonishing the press that “America is on to you.”
Casino real estate investor Phillip Ruffin, an old business friend discussed some of the projects they have worked on, and the character of the candidate.
Pam Bondi, Florida’s Attorney General, contended the country should believe in and follow the rule of law.
A short film was shown commemorating the 47th anniversary of Apollo 11, the flight which landed the first man on the moon. It also described the accomplishments of Ohio pioneers in flight and space.
Closely following the film, former NASA astronaut Eileen Collins from Ohio was introduced, the first woman to pilot a space shuttle. Our space program has done little since 2011 which was the year of the last space shuttle. “We must do better than this,” she claimed, followed by, “We need leadership.”
Next to speak was Michelle Van Etten, a small business owner from Florida and member of “Women in Business for Trump.” She discussed the virtue of small business.
State Senator Ralph Alvarado (R-KY) gave a strong speech on the importance of LEGAL immigration. He spoke briefly in Spanish to Latino voters encouraging them to vote for Trump.
Darrell Scott, Pastor of the New Spirit Revival Center claimed, “The Democratic party has failed us.” He pumped up the audience by quoting from the preamble of the Declaration of Independence, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Harold Ham, CEO of Continental Resources Shail Oil Company, claimed Donald Trump wants energy independence.
Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, a former Trump political opponent, gave a fine talk invigorating the audience. After describing several problems with the country, he had the attendees chant, “America deserves better!”
A brief film was shown describing the Trump family by Lynne Patton, vice president of the Eric Trump Foundation. She then took the stage and claimed, “All lives matter.”
Another short film was shown by Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) who attacked Hillary Clinton’s Benghazi record. He told the crowd it was,“Time to come together.”
Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), Trump’s political rival, was given a loud round of applause for taking the stage. He congratulated Mr. Trump on winning the nomination, but did not offer his endorsement. This resulted in several “Boos” as he left the stage. If anything, Cruz united the audience behind Trump.
Another short film was shown where the Trump offspring discussed how their father can help the country.
This was followed by Eric Trump, the son of the candidate. He described the process his father went through in deciding to run for president.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich gave a powerful speech encouraging unity. He claimed we are losing the war with radical Islam. “We know Hillary and Obama lied to us,” he said. Newt claims Trump will rebuild our country.
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, Trump’s vice presidential pick, closed the evening by thanking the audience for selecting him as the VP nominee. He used the rest of his time to let the audience get to know him.
CONCLUSION
Overall, this was a good evening of speakers, the best night thus far. It accomplished its mission of unifying the Republican party.
UP NEXT
The theme for Thursday night, the closing night, is “Make America One Again.” This will be Mr. Trump’s night to address the convention and nation, to outline his vision and plans for America. Other speakers include his daughter, Ivanka, and Jerry Falwell, Jr.
This will be an important evening for Mr. Trump as his television ratings will speak volumes regarding his popularity. Stay tuned.
Keep the Faith!
