RNC 2024: The Energy Has Shifted, But For Real This Time

(David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

MILWAUKEE, Wis. — The inside of the security perimeter for the Republican National Convention felt like it was a big festival. While the ramifications of the attempted assassination on former President Donald Trump was top of mind for everyone, the atmosphere was also very jovial given the circumstances.

The first RNC I technically attended was in Cleveland, Ohio during the 2016 election. The tension from within the Republican Party that week was as high as the sweltering heat that hit the city. True to form, I was busy on the outside covering the protesters. It was that event where I discovered my passion for reporting on protests. But seeing how things were playing out inside the RNC, it was almost as chaotic as the Never Trump wing of the party was trying their best to get Trump replaced.

Fast forward to 2020, again, tensions were high but for very different reasons. I was outside the White House the night Trump accepted the party’s nomination. With COVID still a thing, I had just returned from covering the riots in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Anti-Trump and BLM protesters nearly surrounded the White House complex, which was being protected by temporary security fencing.

Here is what the vibe was like that night:

The anti-Trump protest that took place in Milwaukee on Monday was nothing compared to 2020. While around 2,000 people marched near the security zone, they did not commit any violence or attempt to breach the fencing.

This allowed me to spend the rest of the week inside the RNC. The best night, in terms of speeches and the overall mood, was the last day. To say Fiserv Forum was electric is an understatement. From Hulk Hogan giving it his all, to Tucker Carlson giving another fantastic speech without writing it down, and then to Trump providing his account on what happened last weekend, it was an unforgettable night.

Talking to attendees and delegates, everyone agreed this moment felt truly different, far from the internal turmoil that the media was eager to showcase in 2016 and the violent chaos that had enveloped the nation in 2020. This time it was fun. People were actually having a great time. Even the weather, while hot on Monday, had significantly cooled down the rest of the week.

It felt like we were so back.

The joyous mood also did not hinge on who is going to be the Democratic nominee, whether it’s President Joe Biden or someone else. The momentum is on the GOP’s side.

Keep in mind, a lot can happen between now and November. While the RNC was a rare break were things appear to be on the upswing, now that it’s over, the harsh reality of what the country faces reminds us of what is at stake. But having cheerful warriors is an advantage Republicans have while Democrats were dreading the Democratic National Convention before the turmoil that is currently gripping Biden’s campaign.

I will be on the ground in Chicago for the DNC next month. It’s an event that I have longed looked forward to as the far-left is promising to redo the 1968 showdown.

We will see what happens!