Donald Trump rallies crowds in Manassas, Virginia.Donald Trump is not your average GOP candidate, so it should surprise few that the 2016 Republican National Convention has been anything but usual .
The convention had its share of surprises, which have garnered much media attention: an attempt by #NeverTrump delegates to call to free delegates to vote their conscience; phrases in Melania Trump’s speech that appear to be lifted directly from Michelle Obama’s 2008 convention speech; and Ted Cruz failing to endorse Trump Wednesday night.
As Chair of the Trump campaign in Virginia, Prince William’s Chairman At-large Corey Stewart has been meeting with the media, promoting Trump’s platform. Mainly, Stewart has been focused on two major talking points: law and order and the economy.
When Bristow Beat spoke with Stewart, Tuesday, he said the convention was going well.
“The mainstream media is going to try to make a news story - make it more dramatic than it really is. There was a floor battle over some of the rules; that’s over now,” Stewart said.
Stewart dismissed mishaps, such as Melania’s speech as “minor stuff,” saying “overall, the convention is going very very well,” and has been very well organized.
This is the second RNC Stewart has attended, having also attended one in 2008. He believes the tone this year in Cleveland is vastly different.
“Oh, yeah. a complete different feeling. This one is a lot more grassroots,” said Stewart, noting there are many more “average blue collar ‘Joe’s,’ who are really excited about Mr. Trump.”
Stewart believes average middle class people want Trump in the White House because of his message about bolstering the economy, immigration reform and restoring law and order in the nation.
He noted there were so many police officers in attendance.
“There is the incredible police presence here,” said Stewart. “Police officers from not just across Ohio, but across America: California, New York, Florida.”
With the slogan of “Keep America Safe Again” the Republicans hope to send a positive message about policing in the United States.
“[We are asking for] more respect for police officer,” he said, saying Washington should be sending a “crystal clear” message to the American people that “the police are not the enemy. They are putting their own lives in peril to keep us safe and they deserve our respect…They are to be respected. I do think that is one of the reasons we have had so many police shooting.”
Stewart also spoke about the economy, and how Trump could bring back American jobs.
Prince William Board of County Supervisors Chairman Corey Stewart at the Chamber of Commerce/ Northern Virginia Community College Chairman's Debate.Stewart said there are ways to increase American manufacturing and exports through adjusting international trade deals. Right now, he explained China has made it less than favorable for America to import its goods, but, “Trump has vowed to make that a priority,” Stewart said.
He also believes that blue collar pay will increase if illegal immigrants are not undercutting Americans workers.
“I don’t think it’s a coincidence that over the past 20 years, a huge surge of illegal immigration and blue collar salaries have been stagnant,” he said.
Additionally, he pointed out that Trump has called for for regulatory reforms in business “to help get off the backs of small businesses.”
Stewart said the people of Prince William county have much to gain from a Trump presidency.
“Trump has vowed to rebuild the military. That is going to have a very positive effect on anyone who works in the defense industry... He is going to reform the VA. We have 60,000 veterans in Prince William County, and finally, we are going to see a resurgent in economic growth, and that is what we really need.”
Stewart said that Prince William County has diversified its industries, yet an overall increase in economic growth would obviously only benefit the county.
Stewart also spoke about Trump's choice of Indiana Gov. Mike Pence to be his running mate, explaining it as a sound choice.
“Mike Pence is a good, solid choice, not the most exciting person, but Mr. Trump doesn’t need an exciting running mate," Stewart said.
Stewart believes Pence will help to solidify the conservative and evangelical bases of the party, and do well in the Upper Midwest and in states like Ohio and Pennsylvania where there has been a loss of manufacturing jobs.
“Trump is obviously bringing a demographic that the Republican party didn’t have in the last 30 years,” Stewart said.
When questioned about whether Pence can be seen as anti-LBGT and if that could be a liability, Stewart said voters should look more to the top of the ticket.
“Trump does not talk about the social issues,” and he would hope that people would look “first and foremost who the presidential candidate is."
He also said Trump could reach people from all walks of life who are concerned about the economy. And, Stewart fielded criticism against Trump for being anti-Muslim.
Stewart said while he disagrees personally with Trump's stance to not allow Muslim's into the country, he said people should consider the candidate's entire message.
“The jobs issues is going to be first and foremost among Americans of all races and beliefs,” Stewart said.
He also said that Trump intends to make America safer by rooting out ISIS.
“Mr. Trump approach is to take a harder line on ISIS and more respective use of American military force to root out and destroy ISIS.”
Support Bristow Beat - Donate Today!