The Republican National Convention in Cleveland was described as the "most apocalyptic thing" to happen to the city. Dana White, the president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, was an unusual speaker who praised Donald Trump's business acumen. The convention was marked by mismanagement, plagiarism, and booing of Ted Cruz for not endorsing Trump.
The theme of the convention was emphasizing feelings over facts, with Trump and other speakers using emotional language to describe the country's problems. Despite the fact that crime rates, unemployment, and other indicators have improved under President Obama, Trump claimed that the country is in a "bad spot" and that Americans do not feel safe.
Newt Gingrich defended Trump's claims, saying that people's feelings are just as valid as facts. This approach was criticized as "terrifying" because it suggests that politicians can create their own reality.
The article also noted that Trump's approach to politics is focused on attention rather than substance, and that his goals are often unclear. The author expressed concern that Trump's presidency could be authoritarian, citing his admiration for strong leaders like Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. The Republican National Convention was held in Cleveland.
2. Dana White, the president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, spoke at the convention to praise Donald Trump's business acumen.
3. Trump's convention featured a repeated theme of Trump being a proven leader, innovator, and entrepreneur.
4. Melania Trump used a partly plagiarized speech during the convention.
5. Ted Cruz was booed off the stage for not endorsing Donald Trump.
6. The GOP published a postmortem report after the last election, titled "The Growth and Opportunity Project," to analyze their mistakes and lay out a plan to expand their appeal.
7. Donald Trump suggested building a wall to keep Mexicans out and advocated for a temporary ban on Muslims entering the country.
8. Trump's acceptance speech was light on concrete policy but heavy on provoking strong emotions.
9. According to FBI statistics, violent crime rates have declined during President Obama's presidency.
10. Newt Gingrich stated that feelings are as valid as facts, and that candidates can create their own reality.
11. The Trump campaign offered John Kasich the vice presidency, with the possibility of being in charge of foreign and domestic policy.
12. Donald Trump tweeted that his main takeaway from the convention was that he had received 33% of the vote, but this was later disputed as incorrect.
13. Trump has expressed admiration for leaders like Kim Jong-un, Saddam Hussein, and Vladimir Putin.
14. Trump has advocated for killing terrorist families, endorsed torture, and retaliated against journalists.