Discovering the Reality of Attending the Republican National Convention
Rallying the scoops at RNC
Have you never experienced the personal joys of attending a political convention? Let me share its unique charm with you:
The excitement and energy are palpable. You can’t bring large items like packages, umbrellas, suitcases, or shopping bags into the main arena.
Expect stringent security measures. Bicycles blocking pathways, cop cars, street barricades, protest rallies, color-coded identification, metal detectors, and security pat-downs are all part of the experience. Even lampposts are adorned with flowers!
For those lacking excitement in their lives, it’s a thrilling experience. You’ll undergo security checks reminiscent of high school hall monitors.
Being a delegate is particularly worth it for the thorough security screenings. Cop car processions are a common sight, making it feel like a scene from Madison Avenue.
Private airplanes abound at the convention. Without access to one, you might find it challenging to run for anything above an alderman position – even Democrats have their standards.
Buckeyes wild
Getting around can be a challenge. During the 2016 convention in Cleveland, the main area was fenced off within a steel perimeter.
Public transportation was rerouted, and even airborne messages were visible, such as “Hillary for prison”. Indiana State Police were present as well.
I shared a flight with ABC’s David Muir and CNN’s Anderson Cooper. Our journey from the airport took longer than expected.
Anderson quickly exited the vehicle, instructed the driver to handle his luggage, and rushed to the studio, where he was on camera before the cab ride was even over.
I encountered Jeff Zucker, CNN’s then-boss, and jokingly complained about not receiving a call back. He mentioned the extensive planning that went into the event, with over 100 people involved.
Even Carl Bernstein had a sarcastic greeting for me. He asked, “Are you still around doing this?”
The convention was a melting pot of strangers with foreign license plates, full B&Bs, and even Arianna Huffington writing Trump’s name on foggy windshields.
Quoting from the book “S — t Politicians Say: The Funniest, Dumbest, Most Outrageous Things Politicians Ever Uttered by Our ‘Leaders,’ ”, Newt Gingrich’s statement was particularly noteworthy: “A politician tainted by accepting money from foreign sources is essentially a socialist argument.”
Rep. Peter King’s take on the situation? “Listen, with Donald you have to expect some bumps.”
Time to lodge a complaint
During the ’96 Republican convention in San Diego, Roger Clinton was prominently featured.
His band, Politics, also performed at another event called Politics in town. The band’s main ingredient? Tequila. Their motto was “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of margaritas.”
Hotel accommodations left much to be desired. Unwanted wake-up calls, lack of air conditioning, and missing amenities such as mirrors or openers in the bar were common grievances.
Dwindling essentials like face towels, unexplained presence in the location, and the absence of message indicators added to the discomfort.
Surviving such conditions was indeed a mystery, much like how past figures like Grover Cleveland made it through.
This time, I’ve opted out of attending the RNC.
I’ll be staying right here in New York, amidst the traffic, crime, congestion, and other urban challenges. It may not be perfect, but it’s certainly safer than the convention.
Only in New York, kids, only in New York.
