Republican National Convention Wrap-Up

​The Republican National Convention was held this past week in Cleveland, Ohio. It was certainly one for the history books, unlike any in recent memory! Donald Trump received and accepted the Republican Party's nomination. Here are some highlights including themes and speakers. The themes for each night related to Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" campaign theme. You can view the full convention program on Politico. 

Monday: "Make America Safe Again"
The featured speakers included Rudy Giuliani, former New York City mayor; Donald Trump's wife, Melania; General Michael T. Flynn; and Jason Beardsley, Special Operations Adviser. 

The big news from the night was about Melania's speech. An unemployed journalist sitting at a Starbucks noticed that portions of her speech sounded like Michelle Obama's 2008 convention speech. He posted the passages on Twitter, making national news. A Trump campaign speechwriter took responsibility for the copied passages and offered her resignation, but Donald Trump did not accept it.

Tuesday: "Make America Work Again"
Donald Trump's family was on display at this convention, an effort to soften his image and help voters see the personal side of the candidate. Tuesday's lineup of speakers included Tiffany Trump and Donald Trump, Jr. It also included speeches from Paul Rylan, Speaker of the House, who told viewers about his conservative policy program for the country. Viewers also heard from two of Trump's primary opponents, Chris Christie, New Jersey governor, and Dr. Ben Carson. 

Also, on Tuesday, the delegates voted for the party nominee. Trump won, as expected, receiving 1,725 delegate votes. He needed 1,237 to surpass the delegate threshold. In an exciting moment on the convention floor, Donald Trump Jr. announced the votes from New York, which put his father's vote total over the threshold. Trump did not win the unanimous votes of the delegates, however. In Colorado, for example, Trump got 4 votes, compared to 31 for Ted Cruz, senator from Texas, and 2 abstentions. 

Wednesday: "Make America First Again"
Eric Trump, another of Donald Trump's sons, gave remarks on Wednesday. Newt Gingrich, former House Speaker, also gave remarks, as did Trump's primary rival Ted Cruz. Mike Pence, governor of Indiana, accepted the vice presidential nomination. 

The most memorable event of the evening was supposed to be Pence's speech. However, Pence was upstaged by the controversy surrounding Ted Cruz, Trump's. During Cruz's speech, when it became clear that he would not endorse Trump and help unify the party, the delegates booed him off the stage. 

Thursday: "Make America One Again"
Donald Trump's daughter, Ivanka Trump, an entrepreneur and mother of three, introduced her father with a speech designed to appeal to women voters. Donald Trump concluded the convention by formally accepting the nomination and giving a speech that lasted about an hour. 

Trump emphasized a "law and order" message, responding to fears surrounding recent eruptions of violence both at home and around the globe. While some analysts classified his speech as dark and gloomy, others thought he appeared professional and presidential--a positive image that could threaten Hillary Clinton's campaign. 


Challenge for this Week
​
Watch a speech delivered by one of Donald Trump's children:
Donald Trump Jr.
Eric Trump
​Ivanka Trump
​
​Answer the following questions:
1. What personal characteristics of Donald Trump did the speech highlight?
a. as a businessman
b. as a father

2. What did the speech say Donald Trump will do for the American people?

3. What was your favorite personal story Trump's son or daughter shared?

4. How, if at all, did the speech change your impression of Donald Trump?

For detailed lessons, resources, and exercises on the election, check out our Presidential Election Unit Study.

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