GOP Convention: Cleveland's Blessing or Curse?

When it was announced that that the 2016 Republican Convention would be held in Cleveland, the city and its inhabitants were delighted. Another sign of Cleveland's resurgence. What could go wrong? The 2016 Republican Convention would bring planes loaded with wealthy, white, males from all over the country to the shores of Lake Erie. Except for a few evenings designed for television, these guys would have nothing to do but eat, drink, gamble, party, and visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame --  all good for the local economy.

In addition to the 2,472 delegates, a phalanx of GOP apparatchiks, the candidates with their entourages, the usual swarm of paid lobbyists, and Corporate America will descend on Cleveland to wine and dine the party faithful.

Since rooms near the convention are at a premium, some Clevelanders with
desirable condos and apartments are renting them out for large sums and taking vacations in Europe or the Far East..

Although modern political conventions provide very little real news, the networks still feel compelled to cover them and that results in national, if not international television coverage. Always a good thing for a city.

The bottom line: a win-win situation for Cleveland and northeast Ohio.

But then Donald Trump happened. And then the "Anybody-but Trump" movement resulted in the possibility of a brokered or contested convention. As a result, the 2016 GOP Convention is shaping up to be much different than anticipated, and  may have unanticipated consequences for the city.

Street Riots at 1968 Democratic Convention

If Donald Trump does not have the requisite number of delegates (1,237) going into the convention, there is a real possibility of a contested convention in which the delegates after the first round of voting can vote for someone other than their own candidate. With some justification, Trump supporters fear other candidates or GOP insiders will lure away their delegates.

A Trump friend, Roger Stone has promised to organize protests at the hotels of state delegates "supporting the BIG STEAL,” i.e.  "stealing" the nomination away from Trump. On top of that it is reported: "Trumps Brown Shirts Already Issuing Death Threats To Republican Delegates."

Trump himself has promised "riots" if is not nominated.

That's not what the beleaguered Cleveland Police Department wants to hear. They obviously were prepared for the standard variety of protests that occur at all political conventions, but the threat of violence among the convention participants was probably not anticipated. The CPD is bringing reinforcements from other police forces, and now it appears they will be needed. 

Fortunately, although the Republicans think Americans should be able to carry guns wherever they want, firearms will not be permitted at their convention. That's a good thing for Cleveland.

Another blow to the Cleveland convention is the news that major corporations will not be participating. Most of their gala wine-and-dines are being cancelled.  Adios to those lavish corporate receptions and the dollars that paid for them. Another financial loss for the city.

And since the mega corporations are sitting out the GOP convention, they will skip the Democratic Convention in order to prevent the appearance of partiality. “Corporations don’t want their name or brand near Trump, and if they don’t participate in Cleveland, that means they can’t play ball at the Democratic convention. They have to do both or nothing,” said a person planning events at both conventions.  

Even some of the GOP politicians, particularly those running for office in this election, are finding reasons why they will not be in Cleveland for a Trump inauguration.  

• Senator John McCain (R, Ariz) told reporters that he is skipping the RNC for the first time in years.
• Senator Rob Portman (R, Ohio) isn't sure his schedule will allow him to attend his party's convention in his home state. He will, however, be in Cleveland for his own political events.
• Senators Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) and Mark Kirk (R-Ill) have indicated they will probably not attend.
• Senator Dan Coats (R.Ind) is retiring at the end of the year, and has advised his colleagues they are better off staying at home.

Entertainers too are avoiding the GOP Convention. Joe Walsh withdrew from performing at the convention saying the Republicans misrepresented the event by indicated the concert was for veterans. Cheap Trick turned down $100,00 to perform at the convention.

But fear not, Cleveland. Not all is lost. Although she will not be permitted to carry her deer rifle, Sarah Palin will bring her road show to the shores of Lake Erie and provide some comic relief. In addition, the Ku Klux Klan may make an appearance to show support for their candidate. More fun for the CPD.

The television networks and news organizations may be the big winners if the convention is either contested or brokered. In recent years presidential conventions were non-events. The only news-value story has been the revelation of the nominee's running mate. If Trump does not have it wrapped up by then, this convention will generate wall-to-wall coverage,

And it remains to be seen how world-wide coverage will reflect on Cleveland's image. What originally seemed to be a slam-dunk win for Cleveland may prove otherwise.