(This article was initially written on July 21)
The 2024 Republican National Convention successfully ended last week, with tens of thousands of attendees enthusiastically returning home, eagerly anticipating a electoral victory for former President Donald Trump and his new running mate, Senator JD Vance of Ohio.
I witnessed the usual mix of political theater and hobnobbing at the RNC, plus the eager consumption of Milwaukee's famous beers and Midwestern German cuisine.
Arriving on July 14 in Milwaukee from New York, just after Trump's attempted assassination in Pennsylvania, I observed that many attendees were still in shock over the recent tragic events.
After missing the pre-convention festivities due to my delayed flight, I visited Milwaukee's famous Landmark Bar, the oldest watering hole in town, and tried for the first time "Spotted Cow," a local lager that eventually became the sustenance for many at the RNC.
The following morning, the New York State GOP delegation handed me my official pass for the first day of the convention and I found out at breakfast that Trump would announce his Veep pick that evening, which was much earlier than expected.
There was already speculation that Trump's running mate was JD Vance, who was one of his top three picks.
When we got to the convention hall, delegates, alternate delegates, and guests sat in their designated sections and would later return to those seats each day until the end of the convention on July 18.
The major media outlets were placed in booths from where they could report on the convention.
RNC Chair Michael Whatley officially began the first day's proceedings, by slamming his gavel and putting several motions on the floor for a symbolic vote, which the delegates approved unanimously.
The delegates by that time were reduced to well-fed actors, as Trump virtually had the Republican presidential nomination locked in.
Several speeches were made throughout the early afternoon by political figures and state delegation leaders, while Trump campaign ads blared on the auditorium screens during lulls.
Then at 3 PM, Republican Senator Mike Lee of Utah, blurted out that JD Vance was indeed Trump's running mate, which caused most of the crowd to immediately cheer, with few objections being heard.
The announcement was quickly confirmed by a tweet that Trump just made a few minutes before.
Towards 5 PM, the delegates finally voted to officially nominate Trump and Vance, sealing the Trump-Vance ticket.
The rest of the day continued with another round of speakers, including a long-winded speech by the head of the Teamsters, which appeared to annoy even the former president.
The most amusing moment was when Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky was loudly booed by the crowd in the hall, except for some in the Kentucky delegation seated next to us.
Tight security made it difficult for attendees like myself to leave or reenter the premises for the four days of the convention, as the RNC had fenced a large swath of downtown Milwaukee inside a massive ring of security.
Law enforcement, private security contractors, and federal agents were brought in throughout the country to protect the event.
After the important decisions were made on Monday, the rest of the week just consisted of live entertainment, rousing speeches by VIPs, drinking, cigar smoking, feasting, and the exchange of business cards and phone numbers.
Most in the crowd were excited to hear Vance and Trump speak on Wednesday and Thursday respectively, later in the week.
Tuesday, July 16, was the least notable day at the RNC, with even more consumption at least on my end, of beer, the local custard, fried cheese curds, and wurst.
I further observed from where I sat in the hall that almost a third of the seats remained empty during the second session.
Nikki Haley received a few cackles from some of the attendees during her speech, while we listened to a bizarre speech by a woman with a tattoo on her forehead and an unexpected prayer by a Sikh priestess.
The most eventful thing that I could remember that day was Trump appearing to the crowds with a giant bandage on his ear.
I later attended a cigar event that night held by New State Young Republicans at Shaker's Cigar Bar in downtown Milwaukee and had my picture unwillingly taken for an article in the Washington Post. (link)
The third day of the RNC on Wednesday was more of a blast, with the levels of political networking, photo ops, and drinking reaching new heights for the week.
I first went to Uhle Tobacco Company and met with a few off duty security and LEOs, who freely commented on the security situation in town and the security lapses in Pennsylvania.
I then attended an open bar meet and greet luncheon at the Drink Wisconsinbly Pub, hosted by former NY Republican congressman and NY gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin.
I spoke with Lee and a few candidates running for office in New York and a few of the NYGOP county chairs, who were optimistic about riding the wave of enthusiasm that a Trump candidacy brought to regional elections and the increasing unpopularity of President Joe Biden.
The withdrawal of Biden from the race was expected, but no one last week thought it would happen soon after the RNC.
Michael Zumbluskas, a Republican and a U.S. Army veteran running for the House against New York Rep. Jerrold Nadler, told PJ Media: "The atmosphere at the RNC is gave me a sense of optimism. The convention was a lot more upbeat than I thought it might be because it was only a few days after Donald Trump's assassination attempt."
"The speakers came from all walks of life from elected officials to individual citizens. Most of them spoke out on the problems facing this country, such as the illegal migrants and the fentanyl crisis, which is killing over a 100,000 Americans a year. They also noted how rising inflation under Biden, the loss of jobs, and the many other problems affecting their lives were hurting our nation right now," he said.
"Today, there is a big contrast between the Democratic Party and the Republican party. The Democrats tell the American people that only the government can help you, whereas Republicans believe that every citizen could have their own Horatio Alger story. We are not a party of victims, but the party of hope and success," Zumbluskas continued.
Returning to the convention center, I saw JD Vance accompanied by a wall of security, who pushed us back as he entered one of the rooms.
About an hour later, the vice-presidential nominee gave a speech, which generally got a positive, but slightly mixed reaction from the audience.
Donald Trump Jr., a 98-year-old WWII veteran, and Vance's wife, Usha, also gave speeches.
The third session ended that night with another round of free food and drinks at an event at Brother's Bar & Grill, hosted by Upstate NY Congressman Nick Langworthy.
My companions and I didn't leave until well after 3 AM, when some of the local urban population arrived towards the end and stood on the tables to twerk their behinds at us as we left the bar.
After breakfast with the NYS Delegation and even more speeches, we returned to the hall to see WWE legend Hulk Hogan rip his shirt during his speech in support of Trump.
Tucker Carlson, Eric Trump, and Gold Star Parents also gave their speeches, followed by an appearance by former First Lady Melania Trump in preparation for the long awaited speech by the 45th president.
The former president and Republican nominee for the same office gave an energetic 90-minute speech, an achievement that no one could imagine his opponent imitating.
After the big show, attendees drifted off to the many after-parties inside and outside the security perimeter of the RNC, eager to return to their home states.
However, due to the massive software glitch on Friday morning, many guests and delegates, including myself, were unexpectedly stuck in Milwaukee as late as Sunday.
Many scrambled to find trains, buses, rental cars, and alternative flights in cities miles away, just to get home.
I was lucky enough to be hosted by two local friends, which made my extended stay rather enjoyable, but others were were not so happy or fortunate.
Hyman Drusin, a member of the New York State Committee, complained to PJ Media: "The RNC ended Friday. I was scheduled to fly back Saturday but flew back Sunday after endless delays and proposed stopovers."
"Delta then lost my suitcase (which had everything I need and value for daily comfort and survival, including my prescription medications!) After hours of inquiries, it was found in Detroit! I finally got it last night at 4 AM!," Drusin added.
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