Reconciliation Day
RNC Update #5 by Sue Greenwald, M.D.
Tuesday in Milwaukee we had a free afternoon. We were bused and searched and entered “the perimeter,” where there were a variety of entertainments such as food trucks, bars, shopping, and watching news be made. I will include a photo of the perimeter fence. There were helicopters buzzing overhead, I didn’t see any snipers.
It was an interesting feeling being among Republicans while playing tourist. I realized that I didn’t have to self-censor my speech or be wary of my surroundings, it was kind of a Truman Show experience. Most of the fun for me was striking up conversations with strangers. I met a gentleman from Virginia while waiting for the unisex bathrooms. He works at the Pentagon. I said I didn’t think there were Republicans left at the Pentagon. With a smile, he replied he is something of a rare bird, but he aims to change that. I met a lovely woman from California. She expressed frustration that the conservative voters are so apathetic, they couldn’t even recall the worst Governor in modern history. But she is working to change that.
The evening session began at 5 pm. The early speakers were somewhat drowned out by the constant buzz of activity. People were more relaxed and greeting friends from other states. The media was constantly blocking the hallways to do their live feeds, it was nearly impossible to avoid getting between the camera and the talent. Camera men with monstrous contraptions on their shoulders were everywhere. For a time I went to the balcony to experience that view. It was easier to hear the speakers up there. The floor looked and sounded like a beehive from that distance.
J.D. Vance and Donald Trump arrived mid way through the session, which made the crush more intense as some walkways were blocked. President Trump appeared much more rested and comfortable.
The speakers that stood out to me:
Nikki Haley had a mixed greeting from the crowd. Her speech was pitch perfect. She was speaking to her supporters, and the never-Trumpers, and beautifully described the positive reasons they should board the Trump train. She gave her full endorsement to the President eloquently. Her ability to command a room is undeniable.
Ron DeSantis appeared very comfortable in his role as America’s favorite Governor and was warmly received. He outlined the failures of the woke, DEI-obsessed, “weekend at Bernie’s” Biden/Harris administration.
Vivek Ramaswamy dropped truth bombs with humor, as only Vivek can do.
Sarah Huckabee Sanders was the press secretary from the Trump administration who became the Governor of Arkansas. She says she is the youngest Governor in the history of her state. She talked about how well she was supported by Donald Trump during the first administration when she was the mother of small children. She talked about Donald Trump’s resilience.
“Not even an assassin’s bullet could stop him. God Almighty intervened because we are one nation under God, and he is certainly not finished with President Trump.”
Closing the show in style was Lara Trump. She gave us a glimpse inside the Trump family. All of the “Trump kids” are raised to work hard and push the limits of their abilities to grow and prosper. She spoke as a mother who had to face the reality of her children seeing their Grandpa possibly being murdered on live feed.
Weary convention goers were mostly happy to come back and go to bed after the convention ran late.
This morning our speakers were Ryan Walters, the state Superintendent of Schools for Oklahoma and you can follow his X, RyanWaltersSupt. He is the guy who pulled the license of a teacher celebrating assissination on her social media. He is the guy who is putting Bibles back in the classroom. He will be a good guy to know.
Then we had a visit from a black conservative State Representative from Minnesota named Walter Hudson. He joked about the joys of receiving “minority outreach” in a blue state. He explained that politicians need to be treated like a toddler approaching a pool with their water wings on. They need to feel safe and have tons of encouragement.
Out of time so I will add the photos and check back tomorrow.
