 Ronn Torossian |
And … nothing happened.
But more than just “nothing”: Cleveland worked hard to put out positive messages, sharing fun interactions between protesters, police and mounted cops from other states and, overall, a calm, problem-free event. You can bet local leaders were quick to call attention to their success.
Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson said the accomplishments of the RNC in Cleveland has “helped establish (Cleveland) as an ideal location for large events … a city people will consider when deciding where to live and do business … It really puts us in a different light with a different image…”
How good was that image? Well, many people are pointing out what didn’t happen. With tens of thousands traveling in for the convention, a total of 24 arrests were made over the four-day period. Sure, there was an overwhelming police presence, but that hasn’t really stopped protesters before. And, in a pure numbers game, there were less than 3,500 cops in a city with a population of nearly 400,000.
Part of the success was in the approach. Instead of rolling in tanks with riot gear, the Cleveland cops chose bikes and horses, a quaint but effectively less aggressive posture that resulted in a less aggressive response.
Sure, there were a few dust-ups, but hardly the large scale violence and anarchy that many expected. By Friday, cops were playing ping pong and soccer with protesters on the square outside the convention hall.
Images such as these joined with the hashtag “RNCinCLE” connected Cleveland directly with peace, equanimity and the sort of Americana folks nostalgically pine for every election season. It might be a mirage or a miracle, but it happened, and the optics can’t be denied even as due credit is given.
So, congratulations Cleveland on a successful national event, something else for the city to be proud of coming on the heels of the Cavs NBA title. Good news all around.
But, in advance: sorry about football season.
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Ronn Torossian is CEO of 5WPR, a top 20 independently owned PR firm.
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