Staff Reports
he Republican National Convention in Milwaukee saw a massive influx of 50,000 guests, proudly including the delegates who cast their votes for Donald Trump and J.D. Vance, solidifying them as the GOP’s dynamic duo for the presidential ticket. Whether you love them or loathe them, this powerhouse pairing has the GOP base buzzing with anticipation for what’s shaping up to be an epic election season.
In true Republican fashion, the host committee didn’t just meet expectations—they smashed through them by raising a record $85 million for the affair. That cash flow covered everything from venue rentals to transportation costs and even threw in some spectacular opening and closing parties. No one can say the GOP doesn’t know how to put on a show.
RNC by the numbers: 50,000 attendees, 100,000 balloons, $200 million impact on Milwaukeehttps://t.co/SZ3XL4bewN pic.twitter.com/sfh7tqroMY
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) July 17, 2024
Milwaukee, no stranger to the economic boon of major events, could see a whopping $200 million pumped into its economy, thanks to the RNC’s “direct, indirect, and induced” spending. Hotels, restaurants, car rentals, and local businesses are all gearing up for what could be their biggest windfall in recent history. Who said politics was all work and no play?
And, of course, it wouldn’t be a Republican convention without a sky full of patriotic balloons. And not just a handful—over 100,000 red, white, and blue balloons are set to cascade down as former President Donald Trump takes the stage to accept his nomination on Thursday. Talk about making America festive again.
Among the 2,429 delegates who made their way to Milwaukee, 1,780 reported their ethnicity, with 975 of those individuals being women. Nearly 40% of the delegates are female, proving once again that the GOP is shattering those outdated stereotypes. The age range was equally impressive, with delegates as young as 18 and as seasoned as 89.
Not to be outdone by mere demographics, the GOP delegation includes a robust representation of 318 active duty service members and veterans and boasts that over 50% of its delegates are small business owners. This blend of entrepreneurship and military experience shows a bedrock of dedication to country and commerce.
What’s more, the representation of Black delegates saw a dramatic increase, with at least 55 attending—up 300% from 2016. And in a move that highlights the party’s growing diversity, 234 delegates identify as non-Caucasian, showcasing a tapestry of religious backgrounds including Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism.
Of course, no convention would be complete without a crowd of naysayers. About 3,000 protesters took to the streets, according to Omar Flores from the Coalition to March on the RNC. But if history has shown anything, it’s that a little opposition only makes the GOP’s resolve stronger.
