What Went Down On Night 2 Of The RNC

That’s a good point, Matt. But what I can’t tell is, similar to some of discussion around the coronavirus last night, how effective will Republicans’ pitch be when you compare it to Trump’s actual record on legal immigration? It rings hollow, no? Or maybe that’s the power of TV?

So far the prime-time hour — with a naturalization ceremony and a bread-and-butter speech from the first Latina lieutenant governor of Florida — has been an appeal to people beyond Trump’s base. We will see whether that theme sticks with Eric Trump.

With the naturalization ceremony and the pardon, Republicans are using the powers of the office to undercut criticism of Trump as anti-immigrant and racist. They are also betting that it won’t bother Trump’s strongest supporters. It may also create some “news” for tonight’s otherwise low-profile night.