Republican National Convention Review – “The Sunday Political Brunch” - July 21, 2024

Republican National Convention Review – “The Sunday Political Brunch” - July 21, 2024

Republicans wrapped up their four-day convention in Milwaukee and are optimistic about their chances of winning not only the White House, and the U.S. Senate, but also keeping control of the U.S. House. The convention had some highs and lows. There was also a lot in the aftermath of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump and more woes for President Biden. Let’s “brunch” on all that this week.

 

“Trump’s Triumphant Thursday” – Like many people, I tuned in to former President Donald Trump’s acceptance speech, but not to hear about politics. I wanted to hear him recount the assassination attempt against him last Saturday that nearly took his life. Trump said, "The amazing thing is that prior to the shot, if I had not moved my head at that very last instant, the assassin's bullet would have perfectly hit its mark, and I would not be here tonight. We would not be together." He added, "I'm not supposed to be here tonight. I stand before you in this arena only by the grace of almighty God.” It was a gut-wrenching, memorable moment.

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“The Momentum” – Trump also talked about his boilerplate stances on the big issues of the economy and immigration and criticized the Biden administration on both. For the most part Republicans stayed on message during the four-day convention and have momentum heading to November. "Nothing will sway us. Nothing will slow us. And no one will ever stop us," Trump said. "No matter what dangers come our way, no matter what obstacles lie in our path, we will keep striving toward our shared and glorious destiny — and we will not fail. We will not fail."

 

“Vance’s Chances” – J.D. Vance has a compelling personal story, which became the focus of his popular book and movie, “Hillbilly Elegy.” After accepting his vice-presidential nomination, he talked of growing up in Appalachia surrounded by drug addiction and poverty. Vance said, “I was lucky. Despite the closing factories and the growing addiction in towns like mine, in my life, I had a guardian angel by my side. She was an old woman who could barely walk, but she was tough as nails. I called her ‘Mamaw,’ the name we hillbillies gave to our grandmothers. ‘Mamaw’ raised me as my mother struggled with addiction.” Vance’s personal knowledge of rust-belt problems could relate to key voters in Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania.

 

“Failed Assassination; Failed Protection” – The House Oversight and Accountability Committee is already planning hearings on the assassination attempt, and the security failures by the U.S. Secret Service. Committee Chair Rep. James Comer (R) Kentucky said, “The assassination attempt of the former president and current Republican nominee for president represents a total failure of the agency's core mission and demands Congressional oversight.” The committee wants Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to testify. Why was there no drone used? Why did no one check that rooftop in advance? Why was Trump allowed on stage when police saw a suspicious person? So many more questions.

 

“A Convention of Color” – It’s hard not to notice how much more diverse the Republican Party has become on a national level. On Monday night, four Black U.S. House members spoke, as did Sen. Tim Scott (R), South Carolina, who is also Black. The most fiery was Rep. John James (R) Michigan. James said, “Joe Biden and the Democrats think they know how to spend your money better than you do.” He was elected in a Detroit district that was long held by Democrats. The Black vote in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania will be key again in this election cycle. Hillary Clinton badly underperformed among Black voters in 2016, which is why she lost all three states and the election.

 

“He Said What?” – On Tuesday night U.S. Senate candidate Tim Sheehy (R) Montana (pronounced she-he), introduced himself to the crowd saying, “My name is Tim Sheehy. Those are also my pronouns.” There was some laughter from the crowd. He also said he was running for an America, “where boys are boys and girls are girls.” Again, some cheers. Now the former Navy Seal has a right to say whatever he pleases, but there could be backlash. The comments were not well received by the LGBTQ community which helps people dealing with gender identity issues. Sheehy is in a tight race with Sen. Jon Tester (D) Montana, and it’s one of the seats Republicans need to win, to gain control of the Senate. This is one to watch, as Senator Tester has now called on President Biden to withdraw from the nomination.

 

“Biden Battles COVID” – On Wednesday, it was announced that President Joe Biden has COVID-19, raising new concerns about his overall health. Biden performed badly in the first debate with former President Trump, and later blamed it on a bad cold and being tired from his travel schedule. This week, a survey by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research this week, showed that two-thirds of Democrats now think Biden should drop out and let fellow Democrats choose another nominee. Thirty percent in the poll said they were not confident Biden had the mental capacity to serve a second term.

 

“Cracks in the Wall of Support” – Wednesday Rep. Adam Schiff (D) California, one of the top Democrats in Congress, called on Biden to withdraw; Schiff said, “While the choice to withdraw from the campaign is President Biden’s alone, I believe it is time for him to pass the torch.” Schiff is now running for U.S. Senate. Within days there were multiple reports that former President Barack Obama, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and current Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer all floated hints that Biden might be persuaded to bow out. The pressure on Biden is mounting, and as I’ve said for weeks, I don’t think he’ll be the Democrats’ nominee. 

 

“Getting Ahead of Their Skis?” – As always in this cycle, there is talk of holding a vice-presidential debate as well. With J.D. Vance the Republican nominee, the Trump campaign sent this response to Democrats: “We don’t know who the Democrat nominee for Vice President is going to be, so we can’t lock in a date before their convention. To do so would be unfair to Gavin Newsom, JB Pritzker, Gretchen Whitmer, or whoever Kamala Harris picks as her running mate.” It was signed by Brian Hughes, a Trump campaign senior advisor, whom I’m sure had his tongue firmly planted in his cheek!

 

“America Loves Babydog” – One of the most popular events at the GOP convention was the appearance onstage of “Babydog,” the beloved 60-pound English Bulldog belonging to Gov. Jim Justice, (R) West Virginia. Justice will likely replace Sen. Joe Manchin (D) West Virginia, in the U.S. Senate, a gain that could help Republicans seize control of the chamber. Gov. Justice said, "She makes us smile and she loves everybody. And how could the message be any more simpler than just that?" The New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, and every TV news network all gave “Babydog” front-page coverage!