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Republicans will stand together behind Trump

Delaware Public Media

Despite early disruptions from forces opposed to Donald Trump, the party will unify behind the polarizing presidential hopeful, according to state GOP chair Charlie Copeland.

The Republican National Convention in Cleveland kicked off in earnest Monday after a group tried to block the nomination of Donald Trump.

The attempt involved a rules change to de-couple state delegates from having to support Trump over the weekend, but it failed.

Copeland says that vocal minority doesn’t represent thousands of people who flocked to the convention to rally behind Trump.

“If 10 people are out there banging the drum, that’s fun to report on, despite the fact that there are 2,000 people who are ready to move forward," he said. "I think that the ‘Never Trump’ movement is overblown."

After shootings of police officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge, some law enforcement officials called for Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R) to roll back open carry laws during the convention, but he says he doesn’t have the authority.

 

Copeland says he hasn’t seen anyone carry a gun openly, but he does notice a higher security presence.

 

“These guys and gals are here putting their lives on the line so that we can have civil discourse about civil authority and how to promote and transfer power peacefully,” he said.

 

Copeland noted the attempted coup in Turkey over the weekend as an example of why America’s peaceful transfer of power is so critical.

 
He says he’s also looking forward to some lighter moments throughout the week.

 

Later tonight, Happy Days actor Scott Baio will deliver one of the keynote speeches, alongside Trump’s wife, Melania.

 

Following Monday’s public safety focus, the rest of the week will touch on domestic policy, economics and a message of unity.

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