The Republican National Convention was held in Milwaukee, WI the week of July 15, and as expected, the convention nominated former President Donald J. Trump for a final term in the White House. Trump chose Ohio junior Senator JD Vance as his vice-presidential running mate. Those are the results, for a West Haven resident and Connecticut delegate, it was the event of a lifetime.
“The energy of the convention was unbelievable,” said Steven R. Mullins, Chairman of the West Haven Fair Rent Commission and former Republican mayoral nominee. Mullins attended the convention as part of the Connecticut Republican Delegation. This year’s convention was the first that Mullins, a longtime member of the Republican Town Committee, had attended. Also attending were former Republican mayoral candidate Paige Weinstein and her husband Andy.
The convention began two days following an attempted assassination on Trump’s life at a campaign rally in Butler, PA. Trump was injured when a bullet fired by 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks grazed his right ear, causing serious bleeding. Crooks was killed by return fire from a United States Secret Service sniper. The attack also killed rally attendee Corey Comperatore, a local Pennsylvania fire chief and injured two others.
There were questions as to whether Trump would appear during the convention, but that question was answered on the first night.
“Everyone at the arena was very concerned about the President’s health and wellbeing. When he suddenly appeared on the convention floor, everyone erupted in cheers and applause,” Mullins said. “President Trump attended all four nights of the convention.”
There were numerous speakers at the convention that included politicians and civic officials from all levels of government, as well as regular everyday Americans going through struggles with current Democrat policies. Connecticut speakers included World Wrestling Entertainment Chief Executive Officer Linda McMahon, who served in the Trump administration as Small Business Administrator and Republican National Committeewoman and former US Senate nominee Leora Levy.
Each night had a theme. Night one, “Make America Wealthy Again,” focused on the economy. Night two, “Make America Safe Again,” centered on crime and illegal imagination. Night three, “Make America Strong Again,” highlighted national security and foreign policy. And the signature Trump theme “Make America Great Again,” was the theme of the final night of the convention, with the climax being Trump’s acceptance speech.
Mullins said that he was about 100 feet from Trump on the convention floor during his 90-minute acceptance speech.
“The anticipation in the air was thick, as the arena waited for the President,” he said. “Prior to Trump, the crowd was warmed up by retired WWE wrestler Hulk Hogan and music by performer Kidd Rock.”
The convention was held at the Fiserv Forum in downtown Milwaukee. It was labeled a National Special Security Event, so security was tight. In addition to the Secret Service and local Milwaukee Police, Wisconsin Sheriff’s Departments and State Police, law enforcement agencies from all over the country provided mutual aid.
“Entering the convention grounds was the same as TSA screenings at US airports. I welcomed the extra scrutiny, because it made thousands of delegates, guests and media feel safe,” Mullins said.
Since the RNC closed, a whirlwind of events have surrounded the 2024 campaign. Incumbent President Joseph R. Biden, who won all state Democratic Party primaries, gave in to the pressure from fellow Democrats to get out of the Presidential contest following his unsuccessful June 27 debate with Trump. In his campaign suspension announcement, he endorsed his Vice President Kamala Harris to face Trump in the general election. Harris has not yet chosen a running mate a this writing.
Mullins said when the convention wrapped up, delegates were ready for the work that begins heading toward November.
“All delegates left the convention inspired to work to bring this country back to greatness,” he said.
The Democratic National Convention will be held the week of Aug. 19 at the United Center in Chicago, where Harris is expected to receive the Democratic Party nod for President.