That’s A Wrap
The second night of the RNC didn’t necessarily have as many high-profile speakers as Night 1. Sen. Rand Paul, for instance, was the only federal lawmaker to speak tonight. But Republicans did use tonight as an opportunity to build on many of the same themes introduced last night — including targeted criticisms of “cancel culture” — while at the same time promoting racial diversity within the GOP.
There were also a number of pivots on display tonight, including an impromptu naturalization ceremony with President Trump swearing in a handful of new citizens. This is noteworthy (and perhaps norm-defying) for a convention, but it also stood in stark contrast to the steps Trump’s administration has taken to make legal immigration to the U.S. more difficult, including limiting student visas and certain forms of work visas. That pivot tonight could be part of a larger movement among Republicans in this convention to win over voters outside of Trump’s base. The question will be whether it’s effective.
Scroll back through to relive the live blog in all its chronological glory, but if that’s too much, I’ve asked the members of the team to assemble their headlines for tonight.
- Amelia: On the Second Night of the RNC, The Hatch Act Gets Its 15 Minutes Of Fame
- Galen: The Prime-Time Hour Shows An Inclusive And Modulated GOP
- Julia: Monday Felt Like A Party Convention. Tonight Felt Like A Trump Show.
- Nathaniel: RNC Night 2 Flouts Federal Law While Hitting Same Themes As Night 1
- Shom: All Politics Is Personal. Tonight’s Convention Was About Trump As A Person (Sort Of).
- Meena: On Night 2, Republicans Attempt To Make The Case That The Trump Campaign Is Anti-Racist And Welcoming Of Women And Immigrants
- Matt: Republicans Try a More Positive Tone on Immigration, Race And Gender
- Kaleigh: Rare Appearance From FLOTUS … And Not Much Else
- Meredith: On Night 2, Republicans Talk Up Economic Progress in the U.S. (Until the Pandemic, But Don’t Blame Them For That.)
- Geoffrey: On Night 2, Republicans Continued To Promote The Party's Diversity