Floor fight over rules on first day at Republican convention

World Today

It is day two of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. But day one got off to a rocky start, because of convention rules and accusations of plagiarism.

CCTV America’s Nathan King explains.

Follow Nathan King on Twitter@nathanking

It was not what Donald Trump and Republican leaders wanted on the first day of the convention –  a bitter disagreement on the convention floor in full view of the cameras.

Delegates wanted a full vote on the rules of the convention that potentially could have meant a challenge to Donald Trump’s nomination. While the vote was overruled, the damage was done- the Republican parties deep divisions exposed.

It was not a smooth evening to be sure. What should have been an uncontroversial endorsement of Donald Trump by his wife turned into another crisis for the Trump campaign. Soon after Melania Trump gave her speech, comparisons were made to a speech made by Michelle Obama endorsing her husband in 2008.

The Trump campaign denies charges of plagiarism, saying the speech was inspired by Melania’s life story and is original – she said she wrote most of it herself. Whatever the truth, it’s another unwelcome controversy for a campaign that is already deeply controversial.


Laura Schwartz discusses the Republican National Convention

For more on the Republican National Convention, CCTV America’s Mike Walter spoke to political commentator, Laura Schwartz.

She served in the Bill Clinton White House producing major events and handling press for his administration.