Thousands of people crowded into downtown Milwaukee yesterday for the beginning of the 2024 Republican National Convention. It was a busy day — with former President Donald Trump officially securing the Republican nomination for President. Trump also named his Vice Presidential nominee, JD Vance.
There's been plenty of opposition to the Convention. Hundreds of protesters marched through the streets of Milwaukee chanting for 'justice.' Jill Stein, the Green Party's candidate for President, even joined the Poor People's Army in a protest.
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TMJ4 News has been planning for months and over the next four days we will work to cover not only the delegates and their candidates for president and VP, but also seek out voices not often included in American political events.
Check back often throughout the day on this live blog for the latest updates from our many crews covering the RNC in downtown Milwaukee.
Live Updates:
9:50 p.m. — RNC co-chair Lara Trump highlights the potential of a second Trump term
Lara Trump, co-chair of the Republican National Convention, gave the final speech at the second day of the RNC, where she recalled the assassination attempt against Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.
8:40 p.m. — Gov. Ron DeSantis supports Trump, calls Biden presidency a 'Weekend at Bernie's' in RNC speech
DeSantis's speech was the first time the former Republican presidential candidate had publicly supported former President Donald Trump's campaign.
8:30 p.m. — Former GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley endorses Donald Trump
Former GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley endorsed Donald Trump at Tuesday's Republican National Convention. Haley was booed as she took the stage.
7:07 p.m. — Swing-state candidates take the stage
(AP) — Their home areas will be critical to Republicans’ hopes of retaking the chamber this fall, but on Tuesday night, a slew of GOP Senate hopefuls are stumping both for themselves and the man at the top of their ticket, Trump.
Kari Lake of Arizona, Eric Hovde of Wisconsin and Bernie Moreno of Ohio are among those giving speeches in prime time at the RNC Tuesday night.
Other Republicans stumping for Senate seats in states critical to the presidential election are former Rep. Mike Rogers of Michigan and Dave McCormick of Pennsylvania.
Each hopeful is taking an opportunity to hit on issues key to their own candidacies at home, promote Trump and take swings at Biden.
6:03 p.m. — Convention Fest gives local businesses boost with global audience
Right in the heart of the RNC is Convention Fest, a chance for local business owners to share their talents to a global audience.
“The more we educate every single crowd around from either side, and the more they know about our culture, the better it’ll be in the long run,” said Victor Muñoz, Co-Owner, Muñewski’s Pork and Knife.
Victor Muñoz and his wife Amy run Muñewski’s Pork and Knife, a catering business out of South Milwaukee that specializes in Puerto Rican and Polish food.
Watch: These local businesses are excited for exposure at RNC's Convention Fest:
Muñoz says they are a relatively new business but knew this opportunity was too big to pass up.
“We decided to try it out for ourselves and not work for anybody, but work for us. We’ve found it to be very hard but amazing at the same time,” said Muñoz.
See the rest of Elaine Rojas-Castillo's story here.
5:42 p.m. — Republicans that previously opposed Trump are now ‘reading the room,’ delegate says
(AP) — Karen Wyld, a delegate from South Carolina, said Tuesday that Republicans like J.D. Vance and Nikki Haley who once opposed Donald Trump but now support him are “reading the room.”
“Reading the American people,” Wyld said. ”The American people love Trump. In the end, Trump loves this country and they know it.”
“She’s going to be conciliatory,” Wyld said of Haley speaking during the Republican National Convention Tuesday night. “She wants what’s best for the country and I think she’s doing what she has to do.”
4:52 p.m. — Watch Live: Day 2 floor session about to get underway
The evening floor session for Day 2 of the RNC is scheduled to get underway at 5 p.m., and there's a lot of GOP star power in the lineup.
Notable Republicans expected to speak this evening include Reince Priebus, Kari Lake, Eric Hovde, Ted Cruz, Nikki Haley, Ron DeSantis, Marco Rubio, Lara Trump, and more.
You can watch the entire floor session on TMJ4's YouTube page. It's expected to run until 10 p.m. CT.
4:27 p.m. — Extra security measures in place for RNC delegates
It was a busy day for law enforcement in Waukesha County, as buses packed with RNC delegates and attendees were loaded up and headed downtown for the convention. Extra patrols were on hand for the buses that contained the delegations from California and Tennessee.
Dianne Garland is attending the RNC as a guest. She says even though former President Trump was shot at, she has no concerns about security for herself or any of the delegates.
“We are jumping on the bus and heading to the convention center. The security at the venue is super tight so we are good,” said Garland.
Watch: Delegates say they feel safe in Wisconsin after Trump assassination attempt:
On top of that, she says she and the a lot of other delegates and guests from Tennessee brought their own protection.
“We did. We have to leave our firearms in the vehicles here because obviously you can’t take them inside the perimeter. There are a lot of concealed carry holders here, so we are good.”
3:54 p.m. — 'You're gonna be so blessed': Kenosha pastor goes viral for performing Donald Trump impression at RNC
Kenosha Pastor Jim Roemke of Messiah Lutheran Church delivered the benediction at the end of Day 1 of the RNC, but his spot-on Donald Trump impression is capturing more attention than his prayer.
“I guarantee you, you're gonna be so blessed, you're gonna be tired of being blessed. I guarantee you,” Roemke said, complete with Trump-like hand gestures.
Watch: Local pastor's Trump impression is going viral:
Roemke gave that same impression in front of thousands of Republicans, and the former president himself, Monday night at Fiserv Forum.
The performance seemed to go over well, with uproarious laughter from the crowd, and smiles and clapping from Donald Trump.
TMJ4's Jeffrey Zampanti spoke with the pastor on Tuesday and got him to do his impression again.
3:14 p.m. — Symone Woolridge chats with Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker
Symone Woolridge and NBC's Kristen Welker talked about the reaction on the floor when former President Donald Trump showed up at the RNC just days after an attempted assassination attempt against him. Kristen says it was an “extraordinary moment” when Trump walked out with his bandaged ear and the crowd erupted. She says it was easy to see how emotional the moment was for Trump and his family.
Kristen says there’s a somber aspect to the convention, considering it’s playing out against the backdrop of Trump having been shot at.
Watch: Kristen Welker visits Symone Woolridge in TMJ4's RNC booth:
Symone and Kristen got a little personal as well – the pair touched on the all-female prime-time coverage of the RNC.
“It’s such an honor to be a part of the coverage and then be a part of the coverage with Savannah Guthrie, Hallie Jackson, these two powerful women journalists who are leading the way for the next generation of journalists. It’s really just an incredible honor.”
2:51 p.m. — Trump meets with former Prime Minister Boris Johnson in Milwaukee
(AP) — Trump met with former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in Milwaukee Tuesday on the second day of the Republican National Convention.
“Great to meet President Trump who is on top form after the shameful attempt on his life,” Johnson posted on the social platform X along with a photo of the pair — Trump’s right ear still bandaged after an assassination attempt on Saturday.
Great to meet President Trump who is on top form after the shameful attempt on his life. We discussed Ukraine and I have no doubt that he will be strong and decisive in supporting that country and defending democracy. pic.twitter.com/OEVZPZsRE1
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) July 16, 2024
Johnson said the two discussed Ukraine and said he has “no doubt” that Trump “will be strong and decisive in supporting that country and defending democracy.”
Trump posted a similar photo on his own social media site and called Johnson “a very fine guy!”
1:30 p.m. — Scripps News' Joe St. George joins TMJ4 at Noon to discuss speakers for day two of RNC
Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis are both expected to speak today during the Republican National Convention.
Joe St. George says tonight is a chance for Haley to tell her voters to choose Donald Trump, despite her harsh words toward him during her own failed presidential campaign. Joe says viewers should keep an eye on how "forceful" Haley is about that message when she gives her speech.
Watch: Joe St. George breaks down his expectations for Nikki Haley's speech.
Joe also discussed the Vice Presidential nominee JD Vance. He says VP picks rarely sway voters, who are normally most concerned about the first name on the ticket. But, JD Vance is young and a Millenial, with lots of television interview experience, which could be helpful.
Joe says Vance was also critical of Trump in the past, but has "done a complete 180." Vance could use that experience to help sway other on-the-fence voters.
1:18 p.m. — Eric Trump tells Scripps News security failure in dad’s assassination attempt ‘reeks of incompetence’
Eric Trump spoke with Scripps News Political Correspondent Haley Bull Tuesday at the Republican National Convention, saying the security failure in the assassination attempt on his father "reeks of incompetence."
Watch: Eric Trump tells Scripps News his father is a "hero."
Trump added that his father is a "hero" who is "hell-bent" on moving forward and uniting all Americans.
"Republican, Democrat — this can never happen again," he said. "We’re the United States of America. Can you imagine the weakness that that portrays to the rest of the world if our leaders are getting taken out?”
Read more from Scripps News here.
12:53 p.m. — Delegates attend second day RNC breakfast
Each day of the RNC, delegates from all over the country are invited to enjoy a meal together at breakfast time. Today's breakfast had a bit of a late start because of Monday night's after party! Wisconsin GOP Chairman Brian Schimming even opened things up with some jokes about what happened during the festivities.
That late start was especially welcome after Monday's jam packed schedule — many of the breakfast attendees TMJ4's Sydni Eure spoke to say they were blown away by everything that happened on the first day of the convention, describing the series of events as "dynamite" and "electric."
Watch: Delegates sit down for breakfast on second day of RNC.
During the breakfast, speakers made a push for early voting and urged delegates to bring along younger voters as well. Sydni asked a few attendees why they think now is the right time to encourage those young people.
"I want a say," says Kyle Stevenson from Menomonee Falls. "Some of the older politicians didn't think it was that much of a priority. They almost felt like they could chase older voters. After COVID something changed."
Many of the delegates Sydni spoke to say they plan to explore the city and support some local shops in Milwaukee during the day. They'll be back for session three at Fiserv Forum at 5:00 p.m.
12:15 p.m. — Very few protesters to be found on Day 2 of RNC
In a stark contrast to Monday's protest activity, downtown's Red Arrow Park was nearly empty Tuesday when TMJ4's Jenna Rae was there.
Jenna noticed anti-Trump video billboards and a small group of religious demonstrators, but other than that, the population at Red Arrow was mostly media.
Watch: Jenna Rae shows how empty Red Arrow Park is as of noon Tuesday:
That's a departure from Monday, which saw thousands of protesters gather in the park and then march down Water St. as part of the Coalition to March on the RNC.
That group says it has no other protests planned for the rest of the RNC, and plans to next march at the DNC in Chicago.
11:34 a.m. — 'What an experience': Wisconsin faith-based recovery program sings national anthem at RNC
The "Great Lakes Adult and Teen Challenge” choir sang the national anthem Monday night at the Republican National Convention. The local traveling choir is a true sign of hope and perseverance.
"I was hopeless, I wanted to die,” Great Lakes Adult and Teen Challenge graduate and singer, Krystle Pierce said.
Watch: Choir of recovering addicts sings national anthem at RNC:
At one point, Pierce was in a dark place. But now she’s in the spotlight.
“Now I'm here and it's amazing. What an experience,” Pierce explained.
Singing the national anthem at the RNC was something she never knew was possible.
Read more on this story from Megan Lee here.
11:02 a.m. — US Senator Corey Booker says choice of JD Vance as VP nomination "worries" him.
TMJ4's Brendyn Jones attended a press conference hosted by Team Biden-Harris and the DNC. One of the main speakers was US Senator Corey Booker. He says the choice to nominate JD Vance for Vice President "worries" him. Booker says he's concerned about statements he's made about conflict during the 2020 election, and how he would have handled certifying the election.
Listen to what Booker had to say:
10:41 a.m. — Pennsylvania delegate to immigration speakers: ‘Close the border’
(AP) — Pennsylvania delegate John Fredericks had a simple bar for Tuesday’s immigration speakers at the RNC, “Close the border. If they’re here illegally, get them out — now. That’s all I’m interested in. Get them out.”
Fredericks, who is from Pittsburgh and was attending the Pennsylvania GOP delegation breakfast at a hotel in Milwaukee’s western suburbs, said the problem has worsened since 2016 when his concerns were more about Mexican immigrants crossing the border.
Today, Fredericks says he is worried more about would-be terrorists from non-Central American countries using the U.S.-Mexico border as an entry point, as a matter of national security. He said he supported “the largest mass deportation in history.”
9:11 a.m. — Coalition to March on the RNC celebrates "successful march" and end of coalition:
The Coalition to March on the RNC released a statement celebrating a "successful march." The Coalition says more than 120 organizations of more than 3000 people joined the march "within sight and sound of Fiserv Forum." Their goal was to "fight the racist and reactionary Republican agenda."
Leaders with the Coalition say that march also marks the end of the coalition.
Organizer Omar Flores says, "we have no further plans to organize actions around the RNC. We are also not aware of any other actions happening in Milwaukee this week."
The statement continues by saying that the Coalition's "work is not stopping." Leaders say the organizations that endorse the Coalition will continue to protest the conflict in Gaza and defend the rights of immigrants, women and the LGBTQ community.
However, leaders with the Coalition say they look forward to joining the protests organized by the Coalition to March on the DNC in Chicago next month.
6:30 a.m. — Mayor Cavalier Johnson's Daily RNC Press Briefing:
Mayor Cavalier Johnson hosted his second daily press briefing during the 2024 Republican National Convention. He spoke on a number of topics, including the importance of exercising the right to vote, his thoughts on why Tim Scott didn't secure the Republican Vice Presidential nomination, and crime trends in Milwaukee and across the nation.
Watch the full press conference below:
6:02 a.m. — Theme for Day 2 of the RNC is "Make America Safe Again":
Monday's theme was "Make America Wealty Again."
TMJ4's Sydni Eure spoke to voters about making the country safer. Many said the theme hits close to home.
Watch: Voters react to theme for day 2 of the RNC.
"Especially in light of the incidents that occurred over the weekend where our dear friend and our next president Donald Trump was, an attempt was made on his life and an attempt was really made on the soul of America at that point," said Jesse Garcia, a New York Delegate.
Events centered on the theme of "Making America Safe Again" will be scattered throughout the Convention Complex. Delegates will return to Fiserv Forum for the start of the third official session at 5:00 p.m.
See all of TMJ4's Republican National Convention coverage here.
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