On Friday, the Republican National Committee announced it had selected Charlotte, North Carolina as the host of the 2020 Republican National Convention. RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel stated, “I am thrilled to announce Charlotte as the official host city for the 2020 Republican National Convention. We look forward to seeing the Queen City take center stage as the Republican Party re-nominates President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence to continue fighting for the American people.”
RNC Site Selection Chairman Ron Kaufman echoed, “Charlotte has so much to offer, and we are excited to bring delegates to a city that has demonstrated its southern hospitality, showcased its vibrant energy, and proven that possibilities are endless.”
The vote by the RNC was unanimous, according to Fox News, which quoted Tom Murray, the CEO of the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority CEO, asserting that Charlotte is ready for the “tremendous responsibility” of welcoming 35,000 visitors and “can’t wait to get started.”
The Charlotte City Council barely got the votes approving the RNC’s request, only voting 6-5 in favor of the RNC being held there. A fierce argument was precipitated by the idea of hosting the RNC, even Democrat Larken Egleston, who cast the deciding vote in favor of hosting the GOP, said, “hosting the RNC in Charlotte in no way implies our endorsement of this president.” Another council member, Justin Harlow, said he’d “no sooner bring Donald Trump to Charlotte … than I’d welcome a Klan rally to Charlotte.”
But Vi Lyles, the Democratic Mayor of Charlotte, tweeted:
Charlotte was the site of the 2012 Democratic National Convention. The visitors bureau for Myrtle Beach, South Carolina paid $30,000 to build a 25-foot sand sculpture of former President Barack Obama that sat a few blocks from the convention hall.