The Republican National Convention’s First Days Are Filled With Antics, Did Melania Trump Plagiarize Speech From 2008 Democratic Convention?
Presumptive Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump has been winning support from a lot of people, but there is still no lack of controversy surrounding the billionaire-turned-politician. Even at 2016’s Republican National Convention, Trump and his wife Melania managed to cause quite a stir. According to PBS, Melania gave a speech at the RNC which was disturbingly similar to the one given by First Lady Michelle Obama at the Democratic National Convention in 2008.
Some folks apparently picked up on the supposed rip-off, but the media decided to focus on the other mishaps that occurred at the Convention, possibly to make Trump appear incompetent. The convention was also attended by Republican all-stars like Speaker of The House Paul Ryan and Trump’s former political rival, Chris Christie.
In case that wasn’t enough, there were other “highlights” at the RNC as well. Did you hear about…
That Time The RNC Official App Messed Up?
Heavy noticed that the official RNC app made big errors in the bios of speakers and attendees; for instance, Rudy Giuliani was cited as having been the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency. Giuliani was the Mayor of New York City during the September 11 terrorist attacks, but close enough.
The Woman Who Protested By Herself?
The Convention’s antics didn’t stop there. The Daily News told the story of an activist from the group Code Pink who tried to protest the event by shouting during Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions’ speech. Code Pink’s website labels it as a “women-led grassroots organization working to end US wars and militarism.” Needless to say, the activist was escorted out by security. No word on the banner she was carrying.
The Former Presidential Candidate Who Played Hooky?
Breitbart reported that Gov. John Kasich skipped the Convention…which was held in his home state of Ohio. Reasons for Kasich’s absence weren’t given, but several media outlets called out the Ohio governor for embarrassing his native state. Kasich was in the running against Trump for the Republican Party’s presidential nomination but later withdrew. We’re sure The Don will have something to say about that considering he’s also called out Paul Ryan for having poor attendance at meetings of the House of Representatives.
The New York Times reported on Paul Ryan’s feelings towards Donald Trump, wherein the Speaker of The House reported that The Donald was “not my type of conservative.” After Ryan cleared up rumors that he was seeking the Republican presidential nomination (he wasn’t, and still isn’t), he still wanted to make his grievances against Trump known. And make them known he did. Ryan has said multiple times that he is not prepared to endorse Trump, though his reasons were never divulged. The Speaker was among many others who made an appearance at the event.
It seems Paul Ryan isn’t the only one who’s more than a little concerned about Trump’s nomination. The Chicago Times told the tale of former Illinois Republican Party chair Pat Brady, who wasn’t even remorseful about playing hooky.
“I just don’t think Trump is a Republican and doesn’t stand for what Republicans stand for,” Brady said at the breakfast meeting held at the Marriott where Illinois delegates are staying.”
Ouch! A slew of other Republicans, including Chris Christie, Carly Fiorina, and Scott Walker seem to feel the same. Meanwhile, talking heads on both sides of the aisle are worried that Trump is a divisive force for the party. If Hillary Clinton can rally Democrats behind a platform of “at least I’m not Trump,” can other conservatives say the same if they run against him in 2020? Stay tuned.
[Photo by Jeff Swensen/Stringer/Getty Images]
