Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley joined Scripps News and “The Race Weekend” to preview the major conservative gathering happening in Wisconsin in the days ahead.
Upwards of 50,000 people are expected, including over 2,000 delegates, at the Republican National Convention.
Moderator Joe St. George asked Whatley, why should someone — who may not pay much attention to politics — watch this convention on television? After all, this will be the third-straight convention in which former President Donald Trump has accepted his party’s nomination.
“At the end of the day, this is about every American family,” Whatley said.
“We really want to use this as an opportunity to talk to all American voters,” Whatley added.
RELATED STORY | After Meta cautiously ended Donald Trump’s suspension, it further loosens oversight
Whatley said speakers will include more than just politicians — everyday Americans will be featured as well.
When asked what a successful convention looks like, Whatley said, “I think success is Donald Trump laying out his vision of how he is going to restore our southern border, how he is going to restore our economy, and how he is going to restore our place in the world.”
Of course, Republicans are holding their convention in a key swing state. In an effort to reach undecided Wisconsin voters, Whatley says he is devoting a lot of his time to local media, and not just national media.
“There is a reason we picked Milwaukee,” Whatley said. “I’ve been doing a ton of Wisconsin-based media while we are up here.”
The Republican party’s platform has attracted some criticism this year from prominent conservatives.
RELATED STORY | Viewer Spotlight: Why Scripps News features political analysts
Former Vice President Mike Pence said he was disappointed the platform did not include calls for a national abortion ban, as it has in previous years.
“It is an unapologetically pro-life platform,” Whatley said.
Whatley admitted that in the past there was a big policy document — this year’s platform is a much smaller version.
As far as the arena for the convention itself, Whatley says to keep an eye on the stage.
“This is going to be the most technologically advanced stage ever built in America,” Whatley said.
