‘Never Trump’ makes last-ditch effort: DM staff reporter discusses first day of RNC

Posted on Jul 19 2016 - 1:36pm by Austin Hille

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The atmosphere is electric in the bustling city of Cleveland, Ohio as the festivities and events regarding this year’s Republican National Convention kick off on a warm Monday afternoon.

On what was meant to be a routine day of speeches and what many would consider to be mere housekeeping items for the party and it’s officials, something unexpected happened within the convention.

In a last-ditch effort by the “Never Trump” activists, what many media outlets have described to be a coup of the party’s rules committee was attempted in order to allow delegates to “vote their conscious” and choose a candidate other than Donald Trump.

The attempt consisted of much yelling, screaming and shouting upon the chairman’s attempt to approve the rules outlined by the committee, which truly represents the atmosphere of the RNC in Cleveland this summer — absolutely anything can happen.

Whether it may be in the security surrounding the event or the numerous subtleties of party politics that will be challenged as a result of this year’s highly controversial election cycle, nobody knows what is going to happen next.

The city is currently coming off the high of taking home the NBA National Championship on behalf of the Cavaliers just about a month ago, and once again, all eyes look to Cleveland as one of the most politically contentious events of the decade takes place within in its boundaries following the horrific events in Dallas, France and Baton Rouge.

It is here that 40 Mississippi Republican delegates will be convening with the rest of the nation to determine important points of national policy and strategy for the Republican Party in regards to the coming general election.

And although many of these things may seem exciting for the Ohio city, in many ways that is not the vibe it puts off.

The airport alone boasts a heavy barrage of highly armored police officers, TSA agents, and homeland security officials. The streets near the convention center are lined with a large chain link fence and each alleyway is barricaded with a large concrete block to avoid acts of terror similar to that in Nice, France.

The sheer amount and variety of protesters is enough to concern just about anybody. Anywhere from demonstrations by the New Black Panther Party, a surprise protest performance from popular bands, or vegans on stilts — Cleveland has them all.

Safety can be a large concern for many people attending the event, but that hasn’t stopped any delegates from making headway on their first day at the convention.

State residents are wondering, how does all of this affect the state of Mississippi?

Check back on www.thedmonline.com daily to get the most up-to-date information regarding Missisppi and the RNC.