Bryce: GOP Day Two Wrap Up

Tim Bryce: Day two in Cleveland goes much smoother

The second day of the 41st Republican National Convention in Cleveland continued on Tuesday.

The biggest controversy from Day 1, at least according to CNN and the main street media, was that Melania Trump allegedly plagiarized Michelle Obama’s speech from 2008.  In other words, much ado about nothing.  Other than this, there was little reported about the content of last night’s convention speeches, particularly the passionate stories from parents who lost offspring due to the policies of Obama/Clinton, stories which will likely haunt the Clinton campaign.  The reporting by the press on these stories was as if it never happened.  Basically, what we witnessed regarding the attacks on Mrs. Trump last night is what is commonly referred to as a “smokescreen” to divert the public’s attention away from the other stories.  The only thing funnier was the gullibility of the people who fell for this old gag.

The outrage by the media and Democrats over this trivial affair is laughable.  Where was this indignant rage resulting from the Benghazi deaths, “Fast and Furious,” the IRS affair, the VA nightmare, Hillary’s dissemination of classified material, or the deaths incurred by illegal immigrants?  There simply wasn’t any as there is a double standard in this country.  Not surprising, the opposition to Trump and the Republicans by the media is becoming more pronounced with each passing day.

MORE INTRIGUE?

My sources inside the convention claim the “NeverTrump” forces were not giving up their fight and becoming a sore point during the day.

Protesters have so far been relatively peaceful, including both Trump supporters and detractors.

CALL TO ORDER

Chairman of the RNC Reince Priebus, called the meeting to order at 5:44pm ET.  Following the Pledge of Allegiance, National Anthem, and Invocation, the gavel was turned over to Paul Ryan, the Speaker of the House, who began the process of electing the presidential candidate.

Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama was given the honor of placing Donald Trump’s name into nomination.  This was followed by Rep. Chris Collins (R-NY) who seconded the motion.  As an aside, Collins was the first congressman to endorse Trump.  Lt. Governor Henry McMaster of South Carolina was given the honor of also seconding the nomination.

Charged with conducting the roll call was Susie Hudson and Jeff Kent.

As is customary, in alphabetic sequence, each state pledged their delegates.  1,237 delegates were required to secure the nomination.  The State of New York, Trump’s home state, was given the honor to push the delegate count over the minimum and to victory.  This was made especially important by having Donald Trump, Jr., the candidate’s son, make the formal announcement on behalf of the State of New York.

The final count of delegates included:

1725 – Trump
744 – Others

The State of Alaska asked to have its delegates polled for clarification of their votes, but this had an inconsequential effect on the numbers.

As expected, the voting wasn’t even close.  Speaker Ryan declared Donald Trump the Republican nominee at 8:09pm.

Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky then came forward to manage the nomination of Vice President.  Lt. Governor Luke Holcomb of Indiana was given the honor of nominating Indiana Governor Mike Pence as VP.  Senator Dan Coats amended the motion that Gov. Pence should be elected by acclimation.  The motion passed overwhelmingly.

At 8:25pm, Speaker Ryan formally declared Donald Trump and Mike Pence as the Republican nominees for President and Vice President.

TUESDAY’S SPEAKERS

The theme for Day 2 was “Make America Work Again,” representing an examination of employment practices and keeping American businesses in this country, as well as attracting others to return.

Like Day 1, the speaker list was a long one.  The following is a brief summary of the prime time speakers:

Sharon Day, the GOP co-chair, kicked off the speaking engagements by criticizing Hillary Clinton, claiming she was a hypocrite and liar.

Paul White, the President of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), described how Trump helped his fledgling UFC.  He claimed Trump possesses three important business skills:  He has great instincts; he is a hard worker, and; he is a loyal and supportive friend.

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson said it is time for leadership, strength, boldness and energy; traits Trump possesses.

Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge claimed Mrs. Clinton was a phony.  She warned of the consequences of allowing Hillary to appoint Supreme Court judges.

Former Attorney General Michael Mukasey discussed the lies and falsehoods Mrs. Clinton committed regarding the Clinton e-mail server scandal.  He questioned how she could take an oath of office as president if she violated her oath as Secretary of State.

Businessman Andy wist claimed he no longer sees the American dream.  He doesn’t see Mrs. Clinton as solving the problem.  He sees Mr. Trump is a builder and the only person who can keep the dream alive.

Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) claimed Mrs. Clinton handled the Benghazi incident badly.  “She lies,” he claimed.

Chris Cox, the Executive Director of the National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action, discussed the importance of the Second Amendment and why it is necessary to have a Republican appoint the next few Supreme Court justices.  “Voting for Hillary Clinton is simply not an option.”

Professional Golfer Natalie Gulbis discussed her experiences with Trump who helped her open a boys and girls club.  “Never be afraid to challenge the status quo,” he admonished her.

Donald Trump then spoke briefly to the audience via remote video from his Trump Tower in New York City.  He thanked the delegates for their confidence in making him their nominee.  On Thursday night, he will articulate his plans for the campaign.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) discussed why people shouldn’t vote for the Clintons.  “Hillary Clinton will say anything, do anything, to become President, and we cannot allow it,” he said.

Several freshman Republican senators then joined McConnell on stage.  Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK) spoke on behalf of the group.  He discussed their plans to help put people back to work.

Paul Ryan, Speaker of the House, returned to the stage to thank the City of Cleveland and Law Enforcement for helping them put on this convention.  His talk was intended to unify and motivate the crowd.  He closed by saying, “Let’s win this thing.”

Cong. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), the House Majority Leader, discredited Obama’s record as president.  He reminded the audience, In 112 days it is over.”

Gov. Chris Christie (R-NJ), former presidential candidate, put on one of the more entertaining sessions of the evening.  He played the role of a prosecuting attorney and asked the audience to act as the jury.  He made a case against Mrs. Clinton’s role in Libya, Nigeria, China, Syria, Iran, Russia, Cuba, and her e-mail server.  Time and again, he asked the jury, “Is she guilty or not guilty?”  Which resulted in a loud chorus of “Guilty!” from the audience.  It also led the audience to chant, “Lock her up!”

Tiffany Trump, the daughter of Donald Trump, who just graduated from college, discussed the values her father instilled in her.

Kerry Woolard, the General Manager of Trump Winery, described how Trump turned around a worn out vineyard in Virginia into a $50 million operation.  She claimed in wouldn’t have happened without Trump and his family.

Donald Trump Jr., the son of the president, put on the best speech of the evening.  He was clear, polished, and articulate, causing talking heads to claim he may become a political star in the future.  Trump claimed this was the most important election of our lifetime.  He described his father’s work ethic, and the need to simplify the bureaucracy in Washington.

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) discussed how President Obama has hurt her state due to his liberal policies which has cost West Virginia 60,000 jobs since 2011.  She also claimed Mrs. Clinton would continue Obama’s legacy.

When former presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson came to the podium, he was the only speaker to receive a standing ovation prior to the start of his talk.  He began by discussing the dangers or political correctness.  He also admonished the audience, should Hillary Clinton become president, the country will not recover due to its long lasting effects, particularly in Supreme Court selections.  He ended by telling the crowd to, “Take America back!”

Kimberlin Brown, soap opera actress and small business owner (advocado farmer), ended the evening with a fine talk.  She claimed Obamacare scares her young employees and must be repealed.  She also discussed why it is necessary to get the government off of the back of business.

Sajid Tarar, the founder of the American Muslims for Trump, closed the meeting with the benediction.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the speakers were not as good as Day 1.  Some went on simply too long and should have been reigned in.

Trump’s long journey to capture the nomination finally came to end this evening.  The anti-Trump movement finally disappeared after Day 1.  They may have been in attendance last night, but they knew they were defeated.

Reaction to the Republican convention seems to be positive.  A Rasmussen Poll published during the day (7/19) found, “Voters Drawn More to GOP’s Convention Than to Democrats.”

UP NEXT

For Wednesday night (beginning at 7:30pm), the theme for the speakers will be “Make America First Again.”  Among the speakers will be:  Lynne Patton, vice president of the Eric Trump Foundation; former House Speaker Newt Gingrich; Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, Trump’s vice presidential pick, and; Trump’s former political opponents including Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, Texas Senator Ted Cruz, and Florida Senator Marco Rubio.  Speakers will begin at 7 pm eastern time

Keep the Faith!

The video used in the story courtesy on FOX 10 Phoenix