Three stories from the first three days of the RNC.
By Aryn Braun
Trump pads Day 2 with family, employees
CLEVELAND–Sandwiched between Tiffany Trump and Donald Trump, Jr., Kerry Woolard’s speech was an endorsement, not only of Donald Trump’s candidacy, but of his listening skills, a trait not often associated with the Republican presidential nominee.
As tonight’s theme is “Make America Work Again,” Woolard, general manager of Trump Winery in Charlottesville, Va., and board member of The Eric Trump Foundation, lauded the Trump family’s entrepreneurial resume.
Woolard is part of the ‘non-traditional speaker’ contingent at this year’s Republican National Convention.
“He and his son Eric listen attentively and ask questions that lead to engaged, informed decisions based on the expert knowledge of those who have earned their trust,” Woolard said.
The Virginia winery has flourished since Trump purchased it in 2011, said Woolard wanted the crowd to know why.
“Donald Trump has told me that a person’s own work ethic and drive are the only limitations to success,” Woolard said. “It isn’t just a platitude: at Trump Winery it is real and I’ll tell you it is rare.”
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Andy Wist, unmasked
CLEVELAND–The formerly unknown Andy Wist, founder and president of Standard Waterproofing in the Bronx, is unknown no more. Wist was on stage at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland for less than three minutes, stressing Donald Trump’s reputation as a “builder” who can bring the country together.
“Somebody said I was Batman,” Wist joked in his opening lines, aware of the digital manhunt that occurred after his name showed up on the speaker list for Day 2.
For the past few days, journalists have scoured the Internet looking for intel on Wist. He could have been a code name, an anagram, a joke or a regular guy from New York City.
Turns out, unsurprisingly, it was the latter.
In just a few hundred words, Wist told voters that under a President Trump, the American dream still would be attainable.
Ending his very short, staccato speech on a more serious than hopeful note, Wist warned voters against Hillary Clinton.
“The only way to keep the American dream alive is by electing Donald Trump president.”
Wist, over and out.
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Who is speaking on Day 2
CLEVELAND–Speakers on the second night of the convention are expected to highlight Donald Trump’s plans for the nation’s economy.
The theme of Tuesday’s session, Make America Work Again, is intended to shed light on just how Trump intends to foster economic growth in the United States, a major piece of his platform since he announced his candidacy last June.
Major players at Tuesday’s event will include House Speaker Paul Ryan, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson.
Here’s a quick overview of Tuesday’s big names and what to expect from Quicken Loans Arena once 5:30 p.m. rolls around.
House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.)
Ryan, who as speaker is also chairman of the convention, will introduce a few of his fellow Republican members of Congress. He had initially been hesitant to announce his support for Trump and has focused largely on rolling out the Republican platform ahead of the election.
Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) and Rep. Chris Collins (R-N.Y.)
Sessions and Collins, both outspoken advocates of Trump in the recent months, will speak briefly before Ryan calls the roll. Sessions shocked some Republicans when he threw his much-sought-after support behind Trump in April, snubbing Sen.Ted Cruz (Tex.).
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.)
McConnell is the Senate majority leader. Although staunchly anti-Hillary Clinton, McConnell has been curiously, but decidedly, critical when asked about Trump’s candidacy.
Dana White, UFC president
Like Trump, White brands himself as a business mogul, which may be the reason for the mutual respect between the two men. White joins actor Scott Baio and “Duck Dynasty” star Willie Robertson as one of Trump’s more unconventional speaker choices, but he promises to add color to a lineup otherwise rife with politicians.
Chris Cox, executive director of NRA Institute for Legislative Action
In charge of the National Rifle Association’s lobbying efforts, Cox has worked tirelessly against efforts to enforce stricter gun control measures. Cox’s remarks will be particularly relevant in light of the recent shootings of police officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge.
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie
There are those who thought Christie might forgo a convention speaking slot after being recently passed over for the vice-presidential slot in favor of Indiana Gov. Mike Pence.
After suspending his own presidential campaign in February, Christie was one of the first notable Republicans to endorse Trump.
Tiffany Trump and Donald Trump Jr.
The Republican National Convention is shaping up to be a Trump family affair. By the end of the week, five Trumps, not counting the nominee himself, will have spoken to the crowd at Quicken Loans Arena.
Tiffany Trump, 22, daughter of Trump and his second wife, Marla Maples, is perhaps the least known of the Trump children.
Don Jr., 38, works for his father and has stumped at campaign events on a number of occasions.
Ben Carson
For those wondering when Carson, renowned neurosurgeon and former Republican presidential candidate, would make an appearance, tonight is the night.
For a while last fall, Carson and Trump were at the head of the pack, sharing center stage during GOP debates and engaging in rich Twitter wars. Recently however, the two have reconciled in time to present a united front.