Personally, I think they are insane to bring a convention of the RNC here. Democrat stronghold, union base auto & steel workers...ever look at the electoral map for Ohio?
There’s a reason Ohio has been “democrat” and it ain’t the rest of the state!
Lots to see and do and be safe? They’ll need special security details to move around here due to the democrat nutcases!
a. I would never dare venture downtown for an RNC event of this size. Way too, too dangerous.
b. I would rather drive to Columbus, Cinci, anywhere else to attend
Sorry to all those RNC Clevelanders, but dang...don’t be so pollyanish! This can do nothing but go very badly for the RNC.
In the last few years, Cleveland hosted Special Oympics and Senior Olympics. "Downtown" was totally safe and participants had nothing but praise for the events.
The mayor has done a great job getting money spent on projects to make the city convention-ready. There was next to no population in that part of the city, now some high-income condos and apartments have even turned that around. The city has a good working relationship with (republican) Gov Kasich, so would not be alone in keeping things safe.
As far as winning over the state? Ohio is always very close in presidential elections, and turning a few thousand votes to the Republican side would make a difference. It's possible, since Obama hasn't done anything to help this area.
I know Cleveland bashing is fun, and a percentage of it is deserved. But as far as the convention being here?....there's a reason the RNC people evaluating possibilities have been impressed.