Thousands of editorials have been written regarding what took place at the Republican Convention in Cleveland. Here are some views that might be helpful and can serve as a supplement to what you've already read and seen.
 Robert Dilenschneider |
1. Going into the GOP convention, Hillary Clinton was leading Donald Trump by five points and was ahead in most of the crucial swing states. Polls released on Monday show Trump’s convention “bounce” has put him in front, but you can expect Clinton to get her own bounce this week, so the lead could switch yet again. Much will depend upon how sharp a contrast the Democrats can show between themselves and the Republicans, whose convention was not as focused as it could have been. But the Democrats are off to their own stumbling start with leaked emails forcing the resignation of the party’s National Chairman, so we may be in for another week of political turmoil.
2. Donald Trump likes to seize the moment and make news every day. That said, there wasn’t a unified message coming out of Cleveland.
3. Keep in mind as we move toward November that no Republican has ever won the White House without winning Ohio. Right now, Trump and Clinton are in a dead heat in the Buckeye State. Ohio Governor John Kasich did not attend the convention and refused to endorse Trump. Whether in the weeks ahead he changes his mind or not will be critical.
4. The brushing aside of the rules to deny delegates the chance to vote for other candidates — even though it was a far-fetched effort — may make it harder for Trump in another key swing state, Colorado.
5. The plagiarism of Michelle Obama’s speech by Melania Trump will not be an issue in November.
6. The choice of Mike Pence will result in more support in the Midwest for Trump, because Pence will appeal to evangelicals.
7. Trump’s views on NATO, China and protectionism in an increasingly global world may win him some votes. But law and order, immigration, job creation and rebuilding the middle class are issues that are most likely to capture the imagination of voters.
8. Curiously, there was little mention at the Republican convention of healthcare (soon to be in excess of 25 percent of the U.S. economy) or of education. Both will be key issues for the next administration.
9. While there was talk about how to help our veterans, there was little discussion as to what our role should be going forward in the Middle East.
10. Continued bashing of Hillary Clinton will not have an impact on voters who have become numb to all the endless charges against her. Republicans will make a serious mistake if they think attacking her is all they have to do to win.
Bottom line: This will be a close election. Clinton’s well-organized ground game gives her an advantage over Trump’s still-building campaign. But Trump has a knack for capitalizing on unexpected events like terrorist attack, riots and police shootings. And who knows how an “October surprise” might work in one candidate’s favor or the other.
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Robert L. Dilenschneider is chairman and founder of the Dilenschneider Group, Inc.
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