2020 Republican National Convention: Monday updates
Former Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley speaks during the first day of the Republican National Convention from Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington on Monday. Credit: AFP / Olivier Douliery via Getty Images
What happened:
- Parkland father Andrew Pollack, who grew up in Oceanside, praised President Donald Trump on the first night of the Republican National Convention. Pollack, whose daughter Meadow was killed in the 2018 Parkland shooting, said he believes the "safety of your kids depends" on whether Trump wins a second term.
- In a surprise opening-day appearance in Charlotte, Trump questioned the integrity of the election, saying, "The only way they can take this election away from us is if this is a rigged election."
- Stepping into the spotlight Monday night were Sen. Tim Scott and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley — rising Republican stars, both people of color, who gave an optimistic view of Trump's leadership.
- Trump and Vice President Mike Pence were formally nominated for a second term on the first day of the RNC, as its official business was conducted in Charlotte.
- Mark and Patricia McCloskey, the St. Louis couple who were arrested after pointing guns at Black Lives Matter protesters marching past their home, staunchly defended themselves at the convention. Mark McCloskey said no one from "the mob" outside their home was charged, but "They've actually charged us with felonies for daring to defend our home."
Monday updates
Great night for South Carolina at #RNC2020 showcasing @nikkiHaley and @SenatorTimScott.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) August 25, 2020
Both knocked it out of the park in making the case for President @realDonaldTrump and a better America.
Both showed the talent, depth & diversity of a growing GOP under President Trump.
As I watched Máximo Álvarez tonight, I heard the the voice of the abuelo I never met because he died in one of Castro’s political prisons, the voice of my dad who fought for Cuba’s freedom, and my family and the loved ones I grew up with. Powerful. ¡Gracias Máximo! #RNC2020 🇺🇸🇨🇺 https://t.co/14MEIzJIIt
— Giancarlo Sopo (@GiancarloSopo) August 25, 2020
Incredible speech tonight, @SenatorTimScott! Your story, and the stories from others such as Maximo Alvarez, are an awesome reminder that America is the greatest beacon of hope in the world—and we've got to fight to keep it that way!
— Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) August 25, 2020
America is the Land of PROMISE! Amazing first night of the #RNC2020! 🇺🇸
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) August 25, 2020
GOD BLESS AMERICA!! 🇺🇸 #RNCConvention2020
— Karen Pence (@KarenPence) August 25, 2020
He says gun control laws didn’t fail his daughter, but people did. #RNC2020 https://t.co/KzaKnuGG5Q
— Newsday (@Newsday) August 25, 2020
Donald Trump is unfit to lead our nation. But don’t just take my word for it... pic.twitter.com/vdYcNWiNBk
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) August 25, 2020
Night 1 of #RNC2020: correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think I heard mention of effective interventions to prevent #covid19--masks, physical distancing, etc.
— Leana Wen, M.D. (@DrLeanaWen) August 25, 2020
Or the need to dramatically ramp up testing.
Or that the U.S. leads the world in infections & deaths.
The McCloskeys tried to villianize me @ the RNC tonight. They can call me whatever they want—I’m used to it.
— Cori Bush (@CoriBush) August 25, 2020
People have called us everything
you can imagine since we started protesting in Ferguson. It didn’t stop us then & it won’t stop us now ✊🏾#RepublicanNationalConvention
Georgia lawmaker, Herschel Walker vouch for Trump
A Black Democratic lawmaker in Georgia's state legislature says he's supporting President Donald Trump because they've made improvements benefiting the Black community.
During the opening night of Republicans’ convention Monday, state Rep. Vernon Jones said “all hell broke loose” when he announced his support for Trump. But Jones said he stands by his decision in part because Trump has backed initiatives including increased funding for HBCUs, criminal justice reform and “the most inclusive economy ever.“
Jones says, “The Democratic Party does not want Black people to leave the mental plantation” on which they’ve toiled. He added, “Black voices are becoming more woke and louder than ever.”
Earlier, former NFL star Herschel Walker said “it hurts my soul” to hear anyone refer to Trump as a racist, adding it’s “a personal insult that people would think I would have a 37-year friendship with a racist.” — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Herschel Walker's full remarks at the @GOPconvention#RNC2020 pic.twitter.com/AAfSuuhieR
— Team Trump (Text TRUMP to 88022) (@TeamTrump) August 25, 2020
RNC chair says she's a 'real housewife'
Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel is scoffing at Democrats’ choice of actor Eva Longoria to host one night of their convention, suggesting they couldn't find a "real housewife."
McDaniel dismissed Longoria, a star of "Desperate Housewives," on Monday as a "famous Hollywood actress who played a housewife on TV." McDaniel said, "I'm actually a real housewife and a mom from Michigan."
It echoed a comment made by Trump last month when he warned "The Suburban Housewives of America" in a tweet that a Joe Biden presidency would "destroy your neighborhood." He warned of an "invasion" and said he had scrapped a program to allow "low income housing" in the suburbs.
But McDaniel herself is an executive with a full-time job running a nationwide political organization with a multimillion-dollar budget. — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Watching #RNC2020? What are you thoughts from the virtual convention so far?
— Faith Jessie (@FJessieTweets) August 25, 2020
“When you take on the swamp, the swamp fights back” Ohio Congressman @Jim_Jordan #RepublicanNationalConvention #RNC2020 #RNCConvention #RNC2020Convention
— Sean Spicer (@seanspicer) August 25, 2020
.@GOPChairwoman Ronna McDaniel has been a staunch supporter of Pres. Trump from the beginning!
— GOP (@GOP) August 25, 2020
She is the 2nd woman in history to hold the position of RNC Chair. McDaniel has led the RNC in attaining prolific fundraising numbers & helped elect Republicans across the US.#RNC2020