Party Time

This place is more like a rock concert than a political convention. Republicans party!

Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

The Power of Unpredictability

One thing that continues to impress me about the RNC is the controlled unpredictability, especially in regards to the nominee. In a normal cycle (because face it, this is hardly a normal cycle) the nominee would not appear in any major sense until his acceptance speech on the final night. 

Trump, as always, is the exception. Between his silhouetted walkout to "We Are The Champions" on night one, to his recorded interjection on the monitors last night, you can't quite tell when "the Donald" will appear. 

Like his primary campaign, Trump has crafted an unorthodox convention style that keeps everyone guessing. Earlier today, the press waited in the sun for his 2 o'clock press conference. At 2 speakers blasted Italian opera and the Trump jet roared by. Then the nominee took a helicopter to the press conference green and spoke maybe 100 words before ducking into the motorcade. One reporter exclaimed, "is that it?!" 

Clearly the Donald is doing his best to keep the Fourth Estate on its toes. Now that major groups of protestors are arriving in Cleveland, lets's hope the unpredictability doesn't spill past what's been scripted. 

Trouble Has Passed

Earlier the Secret Service had closed all but one exit from the security perimeter as well as a section within the perimeter close to protestors. We were told that protestors were burning flags near the perimeter. Apparently seven people were arrested. 

By the time we made it to 4th street, the protests appeared to have passed. So far we have yet to witness any protests get out of hand and the massive assembly of law enforcement officers has kept things under control. 

The security perimeter around convention facilities almost forms a mini city, secured by a Trump-worth wall. Border security around here is excellent. 

There have only been two protestors within the arena who had smuggled in contraband signs. They were quickly escorted out with few evening noticing. 

Worried About Fourth Street

The secret service has cordoned off an area of the parameter next to Fourth Street. Another reporter told us that security on this street is the weak link in security at the convention. We shall see.

Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

A Real Political Commentator

You know you've arrived as an amateur political commentator when you arrive with a professional one: Charles Krauthammer.

Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

Trump's Dramatic Entrance

After a morning tour of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, we saw a crowd gathering next to the Science Center. Unsure of what was happening, we went over and soon discovered it was for Trump's dramatic arrival to Cleveland. Trump's family, along with Mike Pence, stood ready to greet him. 

 

Soon classical music was blaring from speakers as Trump's plane made a theatrical pass. 

 

 

Minutes later, Trump's helicopter flew by and continued to circle the area in a spectacle only Trump could be behind. After Trump landed, he greeted Pence and his family and spoke briefly before departing in a Trump-worthy motorcade. All around me, press from across the world could not help but laugh at this incredibly ostentatious sight -- I can only imagine the reaction if Hillary tried the same thing next week in Philadelphia. 

 

 

 

Trump Staffer Apologizes for Plagiarism

The Eagle Has Landed

We just witnessed the Trump plane fly past all the media next to Lake Erie. He has landed and presumably is about to fly over in his helicopter. Mike Pence and the Trump children are here waiting to greet him. They just played the Stones' "You Can't Always Get What You Want."
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

Trump Helicopter Watch

More evidence that this is not your typical political convention. We were at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and learned Donald Trump is flying in next door at the Science Center in about a half an hour. We've scurried over, given up our souvenirs to security and are now waiting for the man in a crowd of a few hundred, mostly media. They are playing an opera aria. We are on the look out for the helicopter with Trump emblazoned on it to make a grand touch down. You've got to admit, he is quite the showman!
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

Senator McConnell and Secretary Chao entering the floor

Majority Leader McConnell at the Podium

Mike Lee

At the Federalist Society Lunch. He avoided discussing any plots to derail the Convention and instead focused on protecting the Constitution.

Donald Trump Officially Nominated

McConnell and Bevin announce Kentucky's vote

Yesterday, Donald Trump was officially nominated after a roll call vote of all the states. Kentucky was represented by Governor Matt Bevin and Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. While Monday's rules vote may have been contentious, Kentucky Bourbon was unanimously approved when Bevin declared Kentucky "the state that produces all the bourbon that is fit to drink in the world." Here was Bevin's full statement:

Mr. Chairman, from the Commonwealth of Kentucky, home of Churchill Downs and American Pharaoh; the source of Bluegrass music and the home of Bill Monroe; an auto manufacturing state with the largest Toyota manufacturing plant, the maker of the Ford Super Duty and the Chevy Corvette; from the state that produces all of the bourbon that is fit to drink in the world; from a state where our citizens still respect God, the Constitution, our military and our police officers, it is our honor to cast 17 votes for the next president of United States of America, Mr. Donald J. Trump.

Convention Chair Paul Ryan allowed New York to vote out of order, allowing it to push Trump over 1,237 into the nomination. Donald Trump Jr. announced his state's vote.

The Trump children entering the arena to vote for their father

The band played "New York, New York"
as soon as Trump earned enough votes to become the nominee

Majority Leader Offers The Best Reason To Vote for Trump

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell drew his biggest response from the crowd when he reaffirmed his pledge to deny any hearing for President Obama's Supreme Court nominee. On a night when an earlier speaker suggested that Hillary and Ruth Bader Gunsburg both go into retirement (to put it nicely), the Supreme Court was a topic on many delegates' minds. McConnell forcefully delivered exactly what they wanted to hear. The decision of who will replace Justice Scalia -- and perhaps others on the high court -- is the top reason why the choice between Trump and Hillary is a no brainier.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

Start Spreading the News

if you can make it there, you'll make it anywhere. This election year especially.  New York will be the home state of the next president.  Their delegates just put Trump over. Next week their Democratic counterparts will do the same for Hillary.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

Judging by Applause, Bourbon Edges Out Trump for the Nomination

Governor Matt Bevin just announced the delegate votes from Kentucky. "The state that produces all the bourbon fit to drink" got the most votes from the other convention delegates.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

Ohio Delegation is Shunted to an Obscure Corner

Paul Ryan announced that the New York delegation may vote out of order. In other words, they will be casting their votes presumably to put Trump over top. The New Yorkers also have the best seats in the house -- immediately in front of the podium. Normally the host state would be there but Ohio went for Kasich, who isn't even showing up for the convention. Very bad form for the Ohio governor!
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

Senator Sessions Gets a Second Chance

No one is ignoring Senator Sessions tonight. He now is taking advantage of his second chance at the podium. He just nominated Trump, and he's drawing cheers. No distractions from his message this time. "A movement has started . . . Together we will make America great again!" Time to roll with the changes. Time to roll with Trump.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

Roll With the Changes

The convention band opened today's session with a cover of "Roll With the Changes,". How fitting. I wonder if REO Speedwagon is represented by the same lawyers as Queen, who have already sent a cease and desist letter to the Trump campaign protesting last night's use of "We are the Champions." As if Freddie Mercury at this point really cares.

By the way the best dancers by far on the convention floor last night were the Georgians. The Kentucky delegates better step it up!

Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.

We are all Federalists; we are all Republicans

What would Thomas Jefferson do? If he were attending the Republican National Convention, I should add. The group named after the party of his arch nemesis gathered at the Hilton Garden Inn for a luncheon featuring US Senator Mike Lee, who of course cited to Hamilton at the convention -- the constitutional one, that is. The Federalist Society lunch produced a most refreshing talk by Senator Lee about the need to reinvigorate federalism and separation of powers. He showed no signs of fatigue or discouragement from having lost the floor fight yesterday in opposition to the Trump nomination. No one at the lunch asked him about it. The questions, from an audience of mostly lawyers, asked questions more about the constitution than public policy. But Senator Lee offered an intriguing infusion of the two when he advocated for members of Congress to voluntarily cabin their lawmaking according to traditional views of constitutional powers rather than as liberally interpreted by the Supreme Court in recent decades. Senator Lee is clearly a talented constitutional law scholar, not to mention a lawmaker who presents himself as modest with a great sense of self deprecating humor. Let's hope that Trump, should he get elected, lets bygones be bygones. Trump would do well to have Lee on his side, putting his constitutional mind to work on initiatives both Federalists and Republicans of the Trump variety can support.
Please note: The postings of "G. Morris", written by John K. Bush and which end in 2016, stated his views as of the dates of posting and should not be understood as current assertions of his views. The postings, which have not been altered since they came to an end, remain on this blog to preserve the historical record. In 2017, Mr. Bush took a position that precludes further public political comments or endorsements. He will no longer be contributing to this blog.