Day One of the Republican National Convention

"Make America Safe Again"

Just one of the themes from the first night of the Republican National Convention. At the start of the prime time broadcast Rudy Giuliani, former mayor of New York, gave one of the most uplifting speeches of the night praising Donald Trump and his efforts to make America safer than it has been in the last few months. Giuliani said that "Donald Trump will do for America what I did for New York City," referencing the work Giuliani put in as mayor to make New York City America's safest large city. 

According to the NBC broadcasters Giuliani's speech is the first of the night to truly praise Trump and the work that he intends to put in as president to "Make America Great Again." This is an important note to make especially as many former Republican nominees and prominent members of the Republican party have decided not to attend the convention in Cleveland in protest of Trump's nomination. It has been mentioned that former Republican Nominee Bob Dole is the only former nominee to attend. Neither previous presidential Republican Nominees John McCain and Mitt Romney, nor presidents George Bush and George W. Bush are planning to attend the convention. As an outside observer of the Republican Party, what does it say when the most prominent and successful members of your party do not want to attend your party convention to nominate the next leader of your party? And if these members do not want to attend, what if anything could Trump do to convert these leaders to Trump supporters?

"Hillary Clinton Cannot Be Our Next President"

Honestly, this was expected. This week is the Republican's chance to condemn all of Hillary Clinton's actions as a candidate and as the former Secretary of State. If you thought that they might devote more time to focus on proposing policies to fix the problems in our country you thought wrong. (But the Democrats will do the exact same thing next week during their convention so it will all be balanced in the political world.) 

"Melania Trump"

To quote my mom "I guess she's the only immigrant he likes." Oh the irony. But aside from that fact, I personally had doubts about how Mrs. Trump's speech would go tonight. Would her speech become a series of hilarious clips and memes or would there be some substance in what she had to say? After delivering a short series of facts about her own life, Melania began to praise her husband's love and kindness as a father, his experience and success as a businessman, his dedication to promoting veterans, and his "big thinking" which will help America progress as a nation. Melania also praised the volunteers and supporters of the Trump campaign stating that "You have turned this campaign into a movement that has begun to grow in strength and in number." She even foreshadowed what her role as First Lady might look like with a focus on helping women and children. A rather unexpected speech by the next possible first lady was rather warmly welcomed and exceeded my personal expectations. It seems likely that the world will see more from Melania Trump as the general election draws closer in order to improve Trump's polling numbers among women as well as showcase his support for immigrants when they enter this country legally.

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So, what's next? As the week progresses there will surely be more rousing speeches about the great president Donald Trump would be leading up to his acceptance speech on Thursday night of the convention. But who will these speeches come from? Obviously Trump's Vice Presidential pick Governor Mike Pence will speak but will we hear from former Governor Sarah Palin or former Republican Nominee Bob Dole? Will any of the prominent Republicans not attending the convention make any statements trying to divide their party? Ohio's own Governor John Kasich is not attending the convention on the basis that Donald Trump is not one who unifies and that Kasich does not support someone who would try to divide people rather than unite them. And how will Hillary Clinton and her campaign respond to this week's convention both in the media and during their campaign next week? Tune in tomorrow to find out more from Day Two of the Republican National Convention.