The Republican convention, which makes Donald Trump the GOP candidate for the presidential election, is underway in Cleveland, OH. Thousands of protesters are expected to rally outside, disgruntled with the party agenda and the candidate.
22 July 2016
Trump says that Bernie Sanders, "never had a chance," but his supporters will join him over trade issues.
Reports of protesters being manhandled in the convention arena are beginning to come in.
"I am your voice" - Trump
"How great are our police?" Trump asks, "and how great is Cleveland!"
Trump went on to claim that "tens of thousands," of illegal immigrant families are being released into communities. He goes on to talk about Sara Root, a woman killed by an illegal immigrant in a drunk driving accident.
He refers to Rute as, "one more child to offer on the alter of open borders."
He refers to the, "attacks on the police" as a threat to the nation along with foreign terror. He goes on to say, "we cannot afford to be so politically correct anymore."
Donald Trump has officially accepted the nomination. He joined in the "USA!" chants.
Donald Trump has taken the stage.
Ivanka Trump has taken the stage.
"Like many millennials," the 34 year old said, "I don't consider myself categorically Republican or Democrat."
She called Trump, "colorblind and gender neutral."
"At my father's company, there are more female than male executive," she said of her father's business.
"He will fight for equal pay, for equal work and I will fight for this, too, right alongside of him." She also said, "He would focus on making quality childcare affordable and accessible for all" after saying that motherhood creates the largest wage gap.
Voice actor Jon Voigt, well known for his cameo appearance on an episode of Seinfeld and Bratz: The Movie, narrates a brief backstory of Donald Trump.
Donald Trump's close friend Tom Barrack is on the stage and told the crowd, "I feel like an anchovy on Ivanka's Caesar salad. I know you're salivating for it...."
PayPal founder Peter Thiel has taken the stage. The openly gay entrepreneur, who is responsible for the relentless legal attacks on Gawker Media, referred to Clinton saying, "her incompetence is in plain sight."
He went on to say that the great debate of his generation was the Cold War, but the so-called great debate of the current one is which bathroom to use. He then told the audience he was proud to be gay.
Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus has taken the stage. He said, "We don't apologize for America, we celebrate America."
"We are the party of new ideas," he said of the GOP. "You can kiss your gun rights goodbye if she ever gets in the White House," Priebus said of Clinton.
Priebus guarantees that Trump will, "protect the rights of the unborn."
Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin has taken the stage. She touched on her vitriolic pro-life stance and called Israel, "a beacon of freedom and democracy in the Middle East."
In Pastor Mark Burns speech, he told the audience that, "all lives matter." In turn, the audience began chanting it.
A potential walkout by Ted Cruz's delegates could happen during Donald Trump's speech.
21 July 2016
Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio has taken the stage and is warning the crowd of the "dangers of illegal immigration and drugs."
Arpaio refers to being on the frontline of fighting illegal immigration and said, "Donald Trump stands with me." Arpaio's office has been frequently accused of racial profiling and a judge ruled against him in a class action lawsuit against his office.
On Wednesday, he was found to be in civil contempt for not following three of the orders in the 2014 class action lawsuit.
It appears that the latest conflict at the RNC is actually taking place in Media Row where Alex Jones of Infowars has crashed the Young Turks' show.
Allegedly, Roger Stone also participated in interrupting the Young Turks.
Young Turks resumed their livestream, host Cenk Uygur described Alex Jones walking onto the set and said it was initially friendly, "it was fun and we played along."
"He handed me a shirt with Bill Clinton's face on it and it said rape," Uygur explained, "and I wasn't interested."
Ana Kasparian chimed in, saying that Alex Jones was telling other people that he was invited. Jones allegedly called her, a "jihadi Jane."
The flag burning protest has yet to materialize, but here's something else that's happening in Cleveland's Public Square.
Officers were complaining of skin irritation and rumors abounded that law enforcement were being stabbed with syringes. However, the Cleveland Police Department denied that anyone had been injected.
The cause of the irritation is still unknown.
Protesters are burning flags again.
Open-carry protesters are again marching in Cleveland.
Bubbles!
Wobblies are members of the Industrial Workers of the World union.
Some interesting animals have been spotted at the protests...
On Wednesday, protesters threw bottles filled with urine and feces.
Although things have been peaceful so far on Thursday, police are preparing for arrests in Cleveland's Public Square.
Police are trying to keep opposing groups separated.
Donald Trump cracked a joke during the sound check for the walk-through before his speech on Thursday night.
Cleveland sports fans are making their presence known at the protests.
The heat is affecting protesters' willingness to demonstrate.
It's 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 C), but feels like 96 degrees (36 C) with 58 percent humidity.
Police have blocked protesters from entering the on-ramps to highways, according to scanner traffic.
Voice your vote about tonight's RNC theme: Make America One Again.
RT's Caleb Maupin talks to protesters in Cleveland's Public Square.
A suspicious package outside the RNC has led to a shutdown of the area.
Indiana Governor Mike Pence, Trump's pick for VP, has taken the stage.
"I accept your nomination to run and serve as Vice President of the United States of America," he said.
"Let's resolve that Hillary Clinton will never become the President of the United States of America," he said of the Democrat's presumptive nominee.
Addressing tensions with police, he said "We will always stand with those who stand on the thin blue line of law enforcement in America."
Calling upon his Conservative background, he cited the need to protect the "sanctity of life" and the Second Amendment as reasons for voting for Trump.
In regards to
Pence also announced that, "America stands with Israel."
Newt Gingrich has taken the stage. He has gone off script to discuss Ted Cruz. He explained that Ted Cruz's line about, "voting your conscience," is about voting for Trump because he is the only candidate, "that will uphold the Constitution."
He addressed ISIS inspired violence across the world - including mentioning the mass shooting at Pulse in Orlando without mentioning that LGBT citizens were specifically targeted.
He went on to say, "We have nothing to fear from the vast majority of Muslims in the United States, or around the world."
"The danger is even worse than September 11th, when 19 hijackers murdered almost 3,000 Americans. The worst case scenario is losing an American city to terrorists armed with weapons of mass destruction," he said.
Touching on the increasing tensions between law enforcement and activists, Gingrich said "Donald Trump will show zero tolerance for people calling for the death of police officers."
While the speeches continue, the arena seems to be suffering some technical difficulties.
Eric Trump, Donald Trump's younger son, has taken the stage. Among many other topics, Eric cited threats of illegal immigrants and a "radical EPA."
Addressing potential voters, he said "To those of you sitting home wondering how you will pay the rent... my father is running for you.”
He also said, "Vote for the one candidate who does not need this job."
Donald Trump's entrance garnered a standing ovation during Ted Cruz's speech.
Cruz concluded his speech to loud boos. His speech contained a single mention of Donald Trump.
He did not endorse Trump.
The conclusion of Cruz's speech was partially muffled out by boos from the audience and continued "We want Trump!" chants.
Texas Senator Ted Cruz has taken the stage. "I want to congratulate Donald Trump on winning the nomination last night," he said towards the beginning of his speech.
He moved on to talking about the Dallas police shooting by telling the story of a child of one of the murdered officers.
"What if this, right now, is our last time? Our last moment to do something for our families and our country? Did we live up to our values? Did we do all we could? That’s really what elections should be about" he said.
Cruz went on to call Barack Obama, "a man who does everything backwards – he wants to close Guantanamo Bay and open up our borders, he exports jobs and imports terrorists."
Cruz later said, "vote your conscience, vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution."
Chants of "We want Trump!" broke out, Cruz thanked the New York delegation for their enthusiasm.
Florida Senator Marco Rubio is appearing in a video at the RNC, not in person. "After a long and spirited primary, the time for fighting each other is over," he said.
Lynne Patton of the Eric Trump Foundation was the first person tonight to acknowledge the attack on the LGBT community when talking about the mass shooting in Florida.
"Hillary Clinton is the ultimate liberal Washington insider. If she were any more on the 'inside,' she’d be in prison." - Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, trying to make a joke.
Walker went on to say, "Last August, I said that any of the Republicans running would be better than Hillary Clinton. I meant it then, and I mean it now." That enthusiastic endorsement was followed with, "a vote for anyone other than Donald Trump in November is a vote for Hillary Clinton."
Political commentator Laura Ingraham said, "All you boys with hurt feelings and bruised egos - and we love you, but you must honor your pledge to support Donald Trump now. Tonight, tonight!"
This was probably a reference to the various holdouts who have not endorsed Trump, such as Ted Cruz.
She also tried her hand at comedy by making a joke about skinny jeans on men and man buns.
The Cleveland Police Department explained the arrests made at protests today in a series of tweets.
20 July 2016
Florida Governor Rick Scott has taken the stage. He thanked everyone for their support for the "outpouring of love" from all Americans following the Pulse shooting.
Scott announced, "This year we get to fire the politicians."
Scott went on to make the first, "You're fired!" reference of the week.
The current arrest count for the flag burning incident is at 17.
Reports of arrests and intermittent protests continue while the Republican convention is minutes away from being called to order.
The City of Cleveland has denied that police used pepper spray on protesters.
Two police officers were assaulted and sustained minor injuries, the Cleveland PD tweeted. Firefighters extinguished the burning flag and took it. The area has been declared a crime scene, and the media are being asked to leave.
The protest appears to be lead by the Revolution Club.
At the beginning of July, the Los Angeles Revolution Club burned a flag to protest the police shooting of Alton Sterling in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
It is a faction of the Revolutionary Communist Party, headed by Carl Dix.
A fight is to blame for the fracas in Cleveland, according to Ohio State Police.
Police are ordering protesters to disperse, and are not allowing anyone, including reporters, to get any closer.
At least one person appears to be injured, as police have asked for EMS assistance.
RT America's Nebojsa Malic is at the scene of the flag-burning protest.
There have been "a few arrests" after protesters refused to disperse, according to the Cleveland Police Department.
From police scanner traffic, however, it appears that there were far more than "a few" people taken into custody.
Several people have been arrested at the flag-burning protest. Police also used pepper spray.
At least five people have been detained.
RT America's Lindsay France takes a break from prepping for FishTank.
Police, firefighters, journalists and onlookers are awaiting an expected flag-burning protest.
A loud noise that turned out to be a tire blow-out scared bystanders and journalists.
Police stepped in to assist the driver.
Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) is known for having read the Dr. Seuss classic 'Green Eggs and Ham' on the Senate floor during a filibuster.
Protesters have built a wall around Donald Trump's star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame.
It's not the first time the star for the former host of 'The Apprentice' has been targeted.
Donald Trump, now officially the Republican presidential nominee, arrives in Cleveland.
A flag-burning ceremony is currently taking place in Cleveland, according to InfoWars.
Voice your vote on what will make America first again:
Meredith McIver, an in-house staff writer for the Trump organization, has taken responsibility for writing Melania Trump's ill-fated convention speech. She offered her resignation, but it was not accepted by the family, she said in a statement.
"In working with Melania Trump on her recent First Lady speech, we discussed many people who inspired her... A person she has always liked is Michelle Obama," McIver wrote. "Over the phone she read me some passages from Mrs. Obama's speech as examples. I wrote them down and later included some of the phrasing..."
"I did not check Mrs. Obama's speeches. This was my mistake, and I feel terrible for the chaos I have caused," she continued. "No harm was meant."
RT America is on the scene of protests outside the RNC.
A "Wall Off Trump" protest is taking place in downtown Cleveland.
A group has made it inside the secure perimeter around the convention center.
It is unclear if it is the Wall of Trump protest or another one, as several different groups have gathered in different locations.
Well, that's one way to look at it...
It took Donald Trump nearly 36 hours to respond to the uproar.
The FBI spent more than a year investigating former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's emails before declining to recommend charges against her.
Trump was reportedly furious about his wife's speech, which spanned several trends on Twitter.
Ben Carson, one time presidential hopeful and former surgeon, took a break from brain metaphors to tell the audience, "I hate political correctness."
Carson went after Clinton for being inspired by Saul Alinsky, the father of community organizing, because he listed "Lucifer" as a mentor in his 1971 book, Rules for Radicals.
While many Republicans are praising the pro-Trump speeches, particularly those from his children, not everyone shared their interest.
Donald Trump Jr. talks about how his father came from Queens and was told "no," but went on to completely change the completely change the skyline. As the son of a real estate developer, Donald Trump grew up in Jamaica Estates, an affluent neighborhood in Queens.
He went on to say, "We didn't learn from MBAs, we learned from people with doctorates in common sense." Donald Trump is a graduate of the Wharton School of Business, a prestigious private college in Pennsylvania.
He also asked who American, "would rather call." In addition, he proclaimed that electing Clinton into office would mark the first time a president could not get security clearance.
Tiffany Trump says she did not expect to address the nation a few months after her college graduation.
She is not.
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has taken the stage and is focusing on attacking Hillary Clinton, saying "as a former federal prosecutor, I welcome the opportunity to hold her accountable for her performance and her character."
This statement was met with chants of "Lock her up!"
The "Lock her up!" chants continue throughout parts of Christie's speech.
Senator Mitch McConnell was loudly booed as he took the stage.
Donald Trump speaks to the RNC from Trump Tower in New York City, promises "to restore law and order."
Chris Cox, NRA lobbyist, has taken the stage. In defense of the Second Amendment, Cox invoked some very emotional imagery saying "Imagine a young mother at home with her baby, when a violent predator kicks in the door. He's a three-time loser who was released from prison early because some politician wanted to show their 'compassion.' So what's she going to do?"
"She'll dial 911...and pray. The police will do their absolute best to get there quickly. But their average response time is 11 minutes."
He also claimed the NRA is, "the largest and oldest civil rights organization in America."
Several speakers have taken the stage, including Dana White of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, Arkansas Lt. Governor Leslie Rutledge and former Attorney General Michael Mukasey.
The speeches have focused on Hillary Clinton and her faults.
Demonstrators attempted to confront people drinking at an outdoor bar, seemingly forgetting that they were in Cleveland. The patrons proceeded to drown them out by chanting "Let's go Brownies!"
The final tallies for the GOP presidential nominee are as follows:
Trump: 1,725
Cruz: 475
Kasich: 120
Rubio: 114
Carson: 7
Bush: 3
Paul: 2
Alaska's votes have gone to Trump, as per the rules according to Paul Ryan.
19 July 2016
Alaska seeks to correct the vote by requesting a poll of the delegation after all delegates were pledged to Donald Trump. They are attempting to split some of the delegates to the other candidates.
Reince Priebus chewed gum while the Alaskan delegate spoke.
Sen. Mike Lee of (R-UT) of Delegates Unbound allegedly told CNN analyst Rebecca Berg, "This is Donald Trump's night. He just won the nomination. Let's let him enjoy it."
Hillary Clinton took to Twitter to share her thoughts on Donald Trump's nomination.
While many Republicans inside the center celebrate the Donald Trump's nomination, arrests are imminent at the protests outside.
It's official: Donald Trump is the Republican presidential nominee.
New York has cast the vote to grant Donald Trump over 1,237 delegates and the official nomination.
Ohio pledges its 66 delegates to Ohio Governor John Kasich. They were subsequently met with boos.
New York passes on voting.
Nevada's delegate claimed that Nevada is home to the, "most entertaining capital city city, Las Vegas." The capital of Nevada is Carson City.
Protests continue outside the convention center where different groups argue with each other while the police presence remains heavy.
Michigan passes on voting.
The DC delegation attempted to cast their votes with 10 for Rubio and 9 for Kasich. The Convention Secretary overruled and granted all 19 delegates to Trump.
Following a private meeting, Virginia's delegates are ready to cast their vote sans Delegate Ken Cuccinelli of Delegates Unbound.
Two of Colorado's delegates abstained from the vote, but the majority voted for Ted Cruz. The announcement was met with boos.
Following Monday's attempted revolt by delegates to be unbound from their state's nominees, much of the Virginia delegation is absent.
Meanwhile, outside of the RNC, the protests are intensifying despite earlier claims that they were dispersing.
Junior Senator from Alabama Jeff Sessions says crime is on the rise and our president, "blames the police."
Vice chair of the California Republican Party Harmeet Dhillon leads the RNC with a Sikh prayer in English and Hindu.
Protests seem to be winding down outside while delegates fill into the convention center before roll call.
IWW
The Industrial Workers of the World describe being attacked by Alex Jones and his supporters outside of the RNC.
Alex Jones took to Periscope to tell his side of the story.
Tensions between protesters increase outside of the convention.
A scuffle has broken out between protesters in Cleveland.
Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams met with protesters in Public Square on Tuesday.
He asked anarchists, who are roaming about the city wearing all black and masks, to stop scaring citizens and convention-goers, the Washington Post reported.
“If you are a member of a group, and you have to hide your face — if you have a cause that you have to cover your identity — then you probably need a different cause,” Williams said.
The current temperature in Cleveland is 79 degrees F (26 C), with 64 percent humidity.
As many as a dozen members of the California delegation to the RNC have been sidelined with norovirus, the Los Angeles Times reported, citing an email that advised delegates not to shake hands with others and to avoid using communal shuttles between their hotel and the convention if they are showing symptoms.
Norovirus symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, fever, headache and body aches. The disease, nicknamed the cruise ship virus, is also extremely contagious.
The California delegation has more than 550 members.
Speaking before an audience at the American Conservative Union Foundation on Tuesday, Republican vice presidential nominee Mike Pence said, "to be around our nominee, as I had the privilege to be, not only [on] the campaign trail, but out among his associates, people that he's employed for years, and among his family.”
Pence added, "I have a sense of this man. I have a sense of his heart. I have a sense of his hands-on style of leadership, and for all the world, he reminds me of Ronald Reagan. Ronald Reagan achieved great things in his life and his career, a movie star, a celebrity, governor of the great state of California, but he never lost the common touch, did he?"
Pence went on to recount the time he met the 40th president of the United States, Ronald Reagan at the White House, and said, “I felt like I was talking to Mount Rushmore.”
A bullet was found inside a charter bus transporting law enforcement officers working security at the RNC overnight, a spokesman at Case Western Reserve University told WKYC. Police are staying at the Cleveland university during the convention. No one was injured and the bullet was recovered.
Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., will be one of the featured speakers during the convention's second day.
Tuesday’s convention theme is ‘Make America Work Again’. The slogan has been trending on Twitter ahead of a number of speeches due to take place on the issue.
If the phrase sounds familiar that’s because it was used by the Clinton/Gore campaign in 1992.
A press conference led by renowned racial justice activist Cornel West has taken place outside the RNC venue. West and his fellow protestors are demonstrating the killings of African-American men by police.
The RNC is expected to bring a substantial boost to the Cleveland economy and provide a welcome platform for budding entrepreneurs.
Some have pulled out all the stops, selling Trump and Clinton-themed breakfast cereal for hungry voters.
Newt Gingrich has weighed in on the controversy sparked by Melania Trump’s speech which many pointed out bore a striking similarity to Michelle Obama’s address to the 2008 Democratic convention.
READ MORE: Word for word: Melania Trump echoes Michelle Obama’s 2008 convention speech (VIDEO)
The former house speaker blasted the uproar as ‘baloney’ and said it was an effective speech.
"I'll be glad to match our first spouse against Bill Clinton's first spouse next week. And let people decide which of those two first spouses you want."
The RNC is designated a National Special Security Event - yet the potential threats haven’t stopped the Secret Service taking time out to tease its online audience with some convention related trivia.
At least three people have been arrested near the RNC venue for climbing a flagpole and hanging a banner in protest against Donald Trump.
‘Don't Trump our communities,’ read the banner hung near Cleveland's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, according to Reuters.
The poster, which also had an anti-fracking message, was removed by fire officials.
Michael Flynn
In the middle of a fiery speech, retired US Army Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn helped lead an anti-Hillary Clinton chant of "Lock her up, lock her up."
"Crooked Hillary Clinton," said Flynn, "leave this race now."
"She needs to go," he added.
Melania Trump
"I'm definitely biased, and for a good reason," Melania Trump told the crowd.
She recalled becoming a US citizen, "the greatest privilege on planet Earth," on July 28, 2006, nearly 10 years ago to the day, which won some standing ovations.
"If you want someone to fight for you and your country, I can assure you, he's the guy. He will never ever give up, and most importantly, he will never let you down," she added.
Anticipated to address Donald Trump's "other side" not seen in heat of political battle, Melania spoke of how he is "also kind and fair and caring," praising his "intense loyalty" and the strength of the bond of the Trump family.
Donald Trump
Donald Trump followed Giuliani without introduction, coming out to say "We're going to win. We're going to win so big. Thank you very much" with a double thumbs-up, before introducing "the next First Lady of the United States, my wife," Melania Trump.
Rudy Giuliani
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani revved up the crowd, promising them, "What I did for New York City, Donald Trump will do for America."
He also praised police across the country.
Condemning "the media and the Hillary Clinton campaign," Giuliani dismissed the attacks on Donald Trump, who he said he has known for 30 years, saying, "You deserve to know this about your next president. He's been a great father" and "a very good and decent man."
Stressing that "Islamic extremist terrorism" must be called out, Giuliani roared, "You know who you are, and we're coming to get you," to the rapt crowd.
Giuliani went on to bash the Iran deal, saying that Trump would reform it.
Jeff Sessions
Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) told the crowd, "We are on the wrong track, and the American people know it. Yet Hillary Clinton's plan is more of the same."
"She has been the champion of globalist trade agreements, but the facts are in," he added.
Sessions seemed to grin inappropriately when discussing immigration, but cameras revealed a Code Pink protester struggling to unravel a pink banner from an upper section of the hall. Many attendees surrounded her, some holding their arms up to block her message.
Tom Cotton
Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR), in his speech, highlighted his military background, enlisting as an infantryman after the 9/11 attacks. He said that veterans do not ask for much, but "We'd like a commander in chief who speaks of winning wars, not merely ending wars."
"It would be nice to have a commander in chief who could handle classified information," he added.
Jamiel Shaw
Jamiel Shaw, whose son was killed by an illegal immigrant affiliated with a gang that targeted blacks, said that "only Donald Trump" cared, as opposed to President Barack Obama and the Black Lives Matter movement.
Sabine Durden
Sabine Durden, whose son was killed in a car accident by an illegal immigrant who had been previously deported for armed robbery and grand theft, said that since 2012, "no one listened until Donald Trump."
"We need to secure our borders so that no other person ever has to go through this agony and grief," she added.
Mary Ann Mendoza
Mary Ann Mendoza, mother of a "modern day beat cop" who was killed by an illegal immigrant driving drunk and high on meth, said, "it's time we had an administration that cares more about Americans than illegals."
"It's time for Donald Trump," she added.
Antonio Sabato, Jr.
Moving on to immigration, actor Antonio Sabato, Jr., who became a naturalized citizen, said that other immigrants who came illegally "should follow the same rules," and that guarding the borders was not an act of hate.
Mark Geist and John Tiegen
Veterans Mark Geist and John Tiegen, survivors of the 2012 Benghazi attack, shared their experience, explaining that on three separate occasions, "we got pulled away by the chief" and told to stand down before carrying on to the consulate.
On opening night of the Republican National Convention, the attack on Benghazi nearly eclipsed the theme of "Make America Safe Again," provoking both cheers and tears from the crowd.
Geist referred to Hillary Clinton, saying, "Had she done her job that night, we wouldn't've had to compromise the annex," adding that the four Americans who died in the attack would be alive today.
Pat Smith
Pat Smith, the mother of Sean Smith, one of four Americans who died in the September 11, 2012 attack on the US consulate in Benghazi, Libya, took the stage nearly in tears, still in grief.
"Nobody seemed to care," she said, recounting her son's last phone call with her on the night before the attack, in which he predicted his own death amid worsening security conditions there.
"The very next day he was murdered by radical Islamic terrorists," Smith said. "I don't even know why a computer guy like Sean was sent to Benghazi."
Turning to Hillary Clinton, who Smith called a "liar," she asked, "How could she do this to me? How could she do this to any American family?"
"Donald Trump is everything Hillary Clinton is not," she said, adding that Hillary deserved "to be in stripes" in prison.
Marcus Luttrell
Former Texas Governor Rick Perry welcomed Marcus Luttrell, a former Navy SEAL who received the Navy Cross and Purple Heart for a 2005 battle against Taliban fighters.
Luttrell stressed that veterans be prioritized, so that they do not face "the hell that veterans return from" at home.
"The only way that we're going to keep America safe is to have an elite military, all right?" he said to loud cheers.
"All of us have to step up in some way. Our leaders need to lead by example," he added.
"In order for any life to matter, we all have to matter. You understand?" he said, encouraging "today's generation" to "step up" to defend the US.
Scott Baio
Sitcom star Scott Baio of Happy Days, Charles in Charge and Joanie Loves Chachi fame, told the convention crowd, "Our country is in a very bad spot, and you can see and feel it everywhere."
"All the things we hold dear are being attacked each and every day," he said, adding, "We need Donald Trump to fix this."
Duck Dynasty's Willie Robertson
Willie Robertson of the hit reality show Duck Dynasty took the stage as the first prime time speaker of the Republican National Convention's opening day. He said Donald Trump would "have your back," and that he and the presidential candidate have three things in common, saying, "We are both successful businessmen,""have hit television stars," and "intelligent wives who are much better looking than we are."
18 July 2016
Senator Mike Lee
Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) gave immediate reaction to the contentious voice vote over convention rules earlier in the day, saying, "I have never in all my life, certainly going on six years in the United States Senate, prior to that as a lifelong Republican, never seen anything like this."
Lee added, "We are now in uncharted territory. Somebody owes us an explanation. I have never seen the chair abandoned like that. They vacated the stage entirely."
#VoiceYourVote results
The results of RT America's #VoiceYourVote poll question, "What will it take for Americans to feel safer?" are out.
While no answer garnered a majority, most, 46 percent, said, "Less guns. An armed citizenry is the reason we are so unsafe."
Twenty-nine percent said, "More guns. The only way to stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun," while 14 percent said, "Nothing. America is safe enough as it is," and 11 percent said, "More policing. There is too much violence from law-breakers."
Medley of protesters and demonstrators
RT's Caleb T. Maupin is among the array of demonstrators and protesters outside the convention venue, where not only are there people both for and against Trump, but also those trying to spread entirely separate messages.
One banner read, "Kurds are fighting ISIS tooth & nail, America: won't you help them to prevail."
Another activist made pornography his pet issue and used a megaphone to spread his message.
Among other sightings shared across Twitter were armed militia men. Jack Gruber of USA Today posted footage of armed members from the West Ohio Minutemen militia.
Masked protesters identifying with the "99%" were detained by police, calling it an example of "the police state," as posted by Sara Dorn of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
There was also live music performed by Trump supporters, captured by WCPO's Emily Maxwell.
Never Trump PAC responds to rules vote
The Never Trump PAC issued a statement from its senior advisor, Rory Cooper, in response to the rules vote.
"There is no excuse for strong arming delegates and skirting the rules to silence these members of the party," Cooper wrote. "Or as the Trump campaign puts it, 'crushing' and 'destroying' delegates."
RT's Caleb Maupin interviewed a Trump supporter outside of the covention who argued that violence was inherent to the Islamic teachings.
“Real Muslims follow the Koran, real Christians follow the Bible, When real Muslims follow the Koran, you see death," the anti-Islam demonstrator said. "When real Christians follow the Bible, you see life.”
“Our country should turn to Jesus Christ. That’s the solution,” he added.
A young Muslim man responded to protesters, saying that the the anti-Islam demonstrations were "bullsh*t." He argued that slaves were originally Muslims, but were converted to Christianity to “scare” them.
“Every Muslim is not a radical,” he said.
Before the session went into recess, Pastor Mark Burns of South Carolina took the stage to give lead the convention in a prayer.
"We are electing a man in Donald Trump who believes in the name of Jesus Christ!" Burns said, asking God to protect Donald Trump and help the defeat the Democratic Party.
“In Jesus’s name, if you believe it, should amen!” the pastor said, followed by an “amen” from the crowd.
Delegates on the floor could be heard chanting “we want Trump,” demanding a rules change. The effort ultimately failed.
The RNC chair found there to be insufficient requests for a roll call vote to challenge the convention's rules to block Trump. Nine states initially rebelled, but three pulled out, putting the petition below the seven state signatories it needed to move forward.
Anti-Trump protesters on the convention floor could be heard chanting “roll call vote” on the convention floor after rules were for called for, demanding a floor fight to block Trump’s nomination.
Delegates from nine states are rebelling against Trump being the Republican presidential nominee; only seven states need to sign the petition to force a floor battle.
RT's Caleb Maupin is reporting live over Periscope, interviewing members of the crowd outside of the arena where the convention is behind held.
Republican National Committee Secretary Susie Hudson was reportedly using security guards to avoid being confronted by "rebel" delegates who wished to present a petition to allow delegates to become unbound from supporting Trump.
Hip-hop duo Rebel Diaz participated in a protest at the convention, denouncing the presumptive nominees from both parties.
“Trump is not the solution Hillary is not the solution, and the two-party system is not the solution,” co-frontman Rodrigo Starz said through a megaphone. “And our whole thing is this: for us in the communities, participating politically cannot be a four-year thing. We say that we vote with actions every single day in our community.”
Missouri House Rep. George Engelbach, a GOP delegate, could be seen dressed like Abraham Lincoln on the convention floor.
Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette spoke at the convention, promising that all parties responsible for the Flint, Michigan lead water crisis will be held accountable.
“I can promise you this: justice is coming to Flint,” he told the audience.
Eight state delegations are prepared to demand a minority report on the convention floor, Delegates Unbound told the Washington Post’s Dave Weigel. The group is seeking to get the RNC to allow delegates to “unbind” themselves from being required to vote for Donald Trump as the party’s nominee.
The convention got underway at noon local time with an honor guard of Republican veterans. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by schoolchildren in Ohio who won the Red, Write and Blue Challenge. The Singing Angels then performed the national anthem. The opening prayer was performed by a local rabbi.
Some attendees in Downtown Cleveland could be seen openly carrying rifles. The city's police union had unsuccessfully petitioned Governor John Kasich to suspend open-carry rights in the city for the duration of the convention.
Trump's campaign manager Paul Manafort denounced John Kasich, the Republican governor of Ohio – the state where the convention is being held. He accused Kasich’s strategist, John Weaver, of being the culprit behind the governor not endorsing Trump.
“He’s embarrassing his party in Ohio,” Manafort said, speaking on MSNBC’s Morning Joe on Monday morning. “Negotiations broke down because John Weaver thinks that John Kasich will have a better chance to be president by not supporting Donald Trump.”
“Dumb, dumb, dumb. Will John Kasich finally grow up? Maybe,” Manafort added.
An anti-Trump protester was arrested for reportedly vandalizing a campaign banner.
Twitter users reported that the PNC Arena, where the convention is being held, was partly evacuated. The building was reportedly put on lockdown because a bomb-sniffing detected something inside.
Fire trucks could be seen on the streets.
Trump's campaign manager Paul Manafort said that protests at the convention will help the campaign because it will show "lawlessness" and a lack of respect for political discourse, according to Bloomberg.
“Frankly, that impact will probably help the campaign," Manafort said at a Bloomberg Politics breakfast with journalists in Cleveland on Monday.
Donald Trump is set to break with tradition by appearing on stage on the first day of the convention Monday to introduce his wife, Melania, who will be speaking.
“Mr. Trump will be accompanying his wife…They’ll be flying in together,” Trump's campaign manager Paul Manafort told reporters Monday morning, according to The Hill. “He will introduce her tonight, and she will speak. They will then, after her comments… go back to New York.”
Trump is set to officially address delegates on Wednesday.
John Stewart is making a special return to the late-night talk show world just for the Republican and Democratic conventions. He will join his old colleague Steven Colbert to help host CBS's The Late Show.
Chief Williams told reporters that there are no real threats to the city and convention.
"Our officers are told to be especially cautious," he said.
He added that the Cleveland Police Department had purchased increased security capabilities for the Republican National Convention, including a new bicycle unit.
Cleveland police chief Calvin Williams said that open carry rights are still in place in the city despite the calls to ban it for the RNC.
The head of Cleveland’s police union has called on Ohio Governor John Kasich to temporarily halt citizens’ right to openly carry firearms for the duration of the Republican National Convention.
President of the Cleveland Police Patrolmen’s Association Stephen Loomis told CNN: “They can fight about it after the RNC or they can lift it after the RNC, but I want him [Kasich] to absolutely outlaw open-carry in Cuyahoga County until this RNC is over.”
Kasich, who had challenged Trump for the Republican nomination, has said he lacks the legal authority to take such action.
Though the Republican National Convention has yet to begin, nearly 60 percent of Americans already say that they are tired of all the media coverage of the election.