As protests for racial justice continue, the coronavirus rages and a hurricane looms, Republicans present President Trump as the protector-in-chief.
WITH AMERICA ON EDGE Wednesday night over a looming, powerful hurricane, unrest over the shooting of African American Jacob Blake by Wisconsin police and the coronavirus pandemic, Republicans at their national convention Wednesday night presented an alternate reality, downplaying those crises and casting President Donald Trump as the protector-in-chief.
The theme of the third night of the Republican National Conventions was “Land of Heroes,” and the speakers – including several veterans – underscored the planned message. Headliner Vice President Mike Pence made his speech from Ft. McHenry, site of the 1814 battle that inspired the national anthem.
Barely mentioned was Hurricane Laura, which was headed toward the Gulf Coast as the convention (much of it taped) continued. Pence called for prayers, and a promise that the federal government would respond, but other speakers largely ignored the looming disaster. Continue reading.