Here's what happened at the 2020 Republican National Convention

With the 2020 general election in less than 70 days, the Republican National Convention has been in full swing since Aug 24. 

Part of the RNC took place in Charlotte, with business meetings and the formal nomination for President Donald Trump to represent the Republican Party in the election. 

Other parts of the convention that were televised took place in Washington D.C., Fort McHenry in Baltimore, M.D. and across the country.

Many issues were discussed throughout the week, ranging from immigration to policing and civil rights. The speakers came from all across the country and announced their support for Trump. 

The speakers at the convention reinforced the 2020 Republican Party platform, which consists of many hot-button issues like race, police brutality, immigration and more. 

The theme of the convention centered around the “great American story,” Ronna McDaniel, the Republican National Convention Chairperson, said to start the event. This was showcased by several speeches made by everyday American citizens, video presentations featuring various stories and even a naturalization ceremony at the White House. 

The naturalization ceremony at the White House emphasized the importance of legal immigration for the Republican platform. Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf thanked the president for fighting toward what he called a better immigration system. 

“Mr. President, I want to commend you for your dedication to the rule of law and for restoring integrity to our immigration system,” Wolf said. “Thank you for hosting such a patriotic celebration here at the White House today.”

One of the biggest issues addressed was the discussion surrounding policing across the United States. Trump has spoken in favor of police departments across the county and recently received an endorsement from a New York City Police Union.

Michael McHale, the president of the National Association of Police Organizations, spoke on the third night and said he was proud to serve his country as a police officer. 

"I'm proud that the overwhelming majority of American officers are the best of the best," he said.

Another topic at the convention was one that’s been addressed since the country’s founding: race and civil rights. Since the murder of George Floyd, many Americans have heavily protested against the police and have been critical of the United States’ tarnished relationship with race. 

First Lady Melania Trump, who was the headliner on the second night, addressed the civil rights issues, saying she wants America to come together during this time. 

"I encourage people to focus on our future and learn from our past," the First Lady said to address the racial unrest occurring across the country. "I urge people to come together in a civil manner so we can come together in our American ideals."

Clarence Henderson, a North Carolinian who took part in the 1960 Greensboro sit-ins, spoke on night three.

He talked about how these peaceful demonstrations helped progress the Civil Rights Movement forward. Henderson said they challenged injustice by simply sitting down and ordering coffee.

He went on to endorse the president later in his address, and said if his support sounds strange to some people, they do not know history.

“It was the Republican party that passed the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery,” Henderson said. “It was the Republican party that passed the 14th Amendment, giving Black people citizenship. It was the Republican party that passed the 15th Amendment, giving Black people the right to vote.”

Through the convention, many speakers denounced the Democratic nominee, former Vice President Joe Biden. One of the people who criticized the former Vice President was current Vice President Mike Pence. He said a vote for Biden could be detrimental to the United States economy. 

“Last week Joe Biden said 'Democracy is on the ballot.' Truth is, our economic redevelopment is on the ballot," Pence said.

Donald Trump Jr. was one of the most vocal speakers against Biden. He insinuated the former vice president still had a strong relationship with China, referring to him as “Beijing Biden.”

Former NFL player Herschel Walker spoke on the first night about his friendship with the president, and his character. 

“I pray every night that God gives him more time,”  Walker said. "If you want America to get better, Donald Trump is your president."

@HeedenTaylor

@DTHCityState | city@dailytarheel.com