Donald Trump's Republican National Convention Speech Just Doesn't Make Sense

After a turbulent few days at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Donald Trump's speech, executed without any major issues, just didn't fit with the rest of the proceedings.
By Emily Stewart ,

CLEVELAND (TheStreet) -- Ahead of Donald Trump's speech at the Republican National Convention, one New Jersey delegate said he had his fingers crossed the GOP nominee wouldn't say anything stupid this evening. And on that front, Trump succeeded.

The real estate magnate, once considered a the longest of the long-shot candidates, officially accepted the Republican Party's presidential nomination on the final evening of the GOP's convention Thursday evening. And, unlike the scandal-plagued convention, the speech went off with no major issues.

"USA! USA! USA!" the crowd chanted as Trump made his grand entrance in the Quicken Loans Arena here in Cleveland.

Trump's speech was long and, by and large, he stuck to the teleprompter script.

"We are a team," he said, later adding, "Together, we will lead our party back to the White House, and we will lead our country back to safety, prosperity and peace. We will be a country of generosity and warmth. But we will also be a country of law and order."

The speech, focused on law, order, his vision for the future and contrasts with rival Hillary Clinton and President Barack Obama -- and was gaffe-free, in contrast with the days leading up to it. Ahead of Trump's address, Republicans seemed excited to get get through the night and bring an at-times rocky four days to a close.

A fight on the convention floor and passages Trump's wife's speech lifted from Michelle Obama's speech dominated the news cycle following the first day of the campaign. Attendees lamented the issue, with most characterizing it as "unfortunate" and acknowledging plagiarism had taken place long before the Trump campaign did.

Former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski panned the GOP nominee's operation and current manager Paul Manafort, leading surrogates and supporters to punch back.

Wednesday brought another blunder, with Ted Cruz refusing to offer his endorsement to Trump. He encouraged Republicans to vote their "conscience," receiving boos from the audience. The Texas senator doubled down on Thursday.

Pro-Trump delegates and other conference attendees panned Cruz's speech. Trump supporters at a family and friends event at the Westin Hotel where the campaign has set up shop this week declared Cruz's political career to be officially over, and on Thursday, the blowback continued.

Cruz wasn't the only former presidential contender to get bad reviews at the convention. Honorary delegates from Ohio Wednesday called Governor John Kasich's absence from the convention "extremely disappointing," noting that even Cleveland's Democratic mayor had addressed convention attendees. Many lamented the absence of former Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush as well as Jeb Bush.

Check Out TheStreet's Donald Trump Stock Portfolio: Bullish on Trump winning the White House? Bet on it!

But by the nature of Thursday evening's events, you could be forgiven for thinking the entire week went smoothly.

His daughter, Ivanka, introduced her father. "When my father says that he will make America great again, he will deliver," she told the packed stadium.

Trump's speech was met with cheers and chants from the crowd throughout.

"I am your voice," he said to resounding applause.

Only one protester interrupted the event -- a woman seated in the press stands, who was escorted out by security.

"How great are our police and how great is Cleveland?" Trump asked as she was escorted out. The crowd roared.

Republicans, many of whom were once weary of the bombastic businessman, appear to have jumped on board -- at least those in attendance. Numerous Republicans skipped the convention in protest of Trump's headlining the event.

One bartender in the festivities area within the convention complex said the RNC hadn't exactly brought the business Cleveland had anticipated. He mentioned the catering company he worked for had laid off employees in light of the anticipated bookings surrounding the event falling short, adding that bar business had not been what he had expected.

His conclusion: Trump, posed as the ultimate job creator and epitome of success, had been bad for business in Cleveland.

Check Out TheStreet's Donald Trump Stock Portfolio: Bullish on Trump winning the White House? Bet on it!

Loading ...