Well, reporters out there had their Memorial Day plans dashed with President Trump’s tweets threatening to move the Republican National Convention from Charlotte if Gov. Roy Cooper failed to guarantee “full attendance.”
Here’s the latest from the president–a mere 18 hours—in response to calls to move the convention to Florida:
I have zero interest in moving the Republican National Convention to Doral in Miami, as falsely reported by the Fake News @nytimes in order to stir up trouble. Ballroom is not nearly big enough & would like to stay in N.C., whose gov. doesn’t even know if he can let people in? https://t.co/nqBBPv4VXS
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 25, 2020
The response from officials on the ground in Charlotte:
Charlotte City Council member Ed Driggs, a Republican, questioned Trump’s authority to pull the convention himself. Charlotte’s contract is with the GOP’s Committee on Arrangements.
He said he doubted that any other city could put together a convention now given the two-year process Charlotte has undertaken, including arranging a venue, hotel space and related contracts. Driggs noted that the City Council already accepted a $50 million federal security grant for the convention in April.
“I think this is the kind of thing that happens in politics, where, and particularly the president is known for dramatic gestures,” Driggs said. “I don’t know whether that tweet by him is supported by the Republican Party and all the people with whom we have been in negotiation for a couple of years.”
….Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles issued a statement Monday that echoed Cooper’s call for data to guide decisions.
“With the health and safety of our residents and visitors being the top priority, the city of Charlotte will continue to follow guidance from Governor Cooper and public health professionals in determining the best and safest way to host the Republican National Convention,” Lyles said. “While I’ve remained consistent in my statements regarding the RNC being held in Charlotte, the science and data will ultimately determine what we will collectively do for our city.”
Last but not least, Sen. Thom Tillis–who is up for reelection–told the Observer late last week (a lifetime ago)”there will be a convention in Charlotte. It’s a matter of what it looks like….there’s an entire support infrastructure that needs to be available.”
Stay tuned.