Although it seems like President Donald Trump’s inauguration wasn’t long ago, talk about the 2020 election has already picked up. Just recently, the announcement about the Republican National Convention location came. Charlotte, NC, also known as the Queen City, will serve as host for the event that is massive in both size and significance.
In making the big announcement about the Convention location, Ronna McDaniel, chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC), conveyed an upbeat tone.
“I am thrilled to announce Charlotte as the official host city for the 2020 Republican National Convention,” he said. “We look forward to seeing the Queen City take center stage as the Republican Party re-nominates President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence to continue fighting for the American people.”
More enthusiasm came from Ron Kaufman, RNC Site Selection Chairman Ron Kaufman.
“Charlotte has so much to offer, and we are excited to bring delegates to a city that has demonstrated its southern hospitality, showcased its vibrant energy, and proven that possibilities are endless,” he added.
When it came time for the RNC to vote, they gave a srong nod to Charlotte as they voted unanimously for the city to host the convention that takes place only every four years.
Tom Murray, the CEO of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority, said Charlotte is geared up for the “tremendous responsibility” of hosting 35,000 visitors. And he said he and his colleagues “can’t wait to get started.”
Of course, not everyone has had such a rosy attitude about Charlotte serving as host for the 2020 event. In Charlotte, there were some very sour opinions from people who were adamantly opposed to the convention coming to their city. The local city council had an intense debate over whether the topic. It was clear that had much to do with the anti-Trump sentiments that have been so prevalent throughout Trump’s presidency.
When it came time to vote about the convention, the results were tight — coming down to a 6-5 vote in favor of the motion. Larken Egleston, a Democrat, wound up voting in favor of his city hosting the convention, but made it clear where he stood.
“Hosting the RNC in Charlotte in no way implies our endorsement of this president,” he clarified.
Justin Harlow, another City Council member, said he’d “no sooner bring Donald Trump to Charlotte … than I’d welcome a Klan rally to Charlotte.”
Not everyone is so hostile and unreasonable when it comes to the 2020 convention. Even those across the political aisle from Trump are able to see things from a more balanced perspective.
“I believe this convention conveys a positive message supporting our city’s belief in acceptance and inclusion,” Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyes, a Democrat, tweeted in response. “This is our opportunity to, once again, put Charlotte in the international spotlight to demonstrate the democratic process and two-party system that we deeply value.”
As the largest city in North Carolina, Charlotte is also in the top 20 in the nation when it comes to population size. It’s capability to hose such a large event is obvious. The city hosted the Democratic Party’s 2012 convention during former President Barack Obama’s campaign for re-election.
The 2020 convention will undoubtedly pour tons of revenue into Charlotte and the surrounding area while bringing greater visibility. So why some on the city council couldn’t see that, and couldn’t see how the large event would benefit their city, is quite curious. Obviously, they have a one-track mind, and anything that has to do with Trump is something they will avoid at all costs.
~ Patriotic Freedom Fighter
