By Rob Frost
Eighty years ago today, the 1936 Republican National Convention was gaveled to order in Cleveland, marking the last time the event was held in our city.
I’d be willing to bet that most Americans, aside from maybe a handful of historians, either never knew or have long forgotten that Alfred Landon, then-Governor of Kansas, was the man who ultimately accepted the GOP’s nominee at the Public Auditorium that summer.
During that election cycle, the nation was still battling back from the depths of the Great Depression and voters were seemingly reluctant to change horses in the midst of that historic economic crisis. Landon’s opponent was a revered incumbent president by the name of Franklin Delano Roosevelt who would go on in November to win his second of four terms in office.
But as the Republican National Convention prepares to make its return to Cleveland next month, don’t expect a repeat of 1936. Because this time around, the Democratic nominee is far from revered, the Republican nominee is far from forgettable and an overwhelming majority of voters believe America is currently on the wrong track. Americans are looking for an outsider to make sweeping changes in Washington.
But those aren’t the only differences between 1936 and 2016.
After Mitt Romney’s defeat in 2012, the Republican Party of Cuyahoga County (RPCC) recognized that the GOP had to make some major changes if it wanted to build a winning coalition in 2016. And so, in the days following the Romney loss, we looked inward and examined the numbers. We wanted to know exactly what went wrong and — more importantly — what we needed to do to prevent it from happening again.
Our evidence was clear: We had to dispel the tired notion that the GOP is a party of only old, white men. Through our words and our actions, we had to prove to Clevelanders that the modern-day GOP is one that welcomes anyone who believes in securing America, limited government and fiscal responsibility.
And so we began reaching out directly to non-traditional Republican voters in communities who may have felt disenfranchised by the party in the past. We have worked tirelessly to engage anybody who was willing to listen to let them know that that there is a spot for all inside the big tent of the GOP, regardless of someone’s age, gender, religion, race or sexual orientation.
It’s long been said that ‘change is hard’ for some folks. And in recent years, it’s true that the initiatives being led in Cleveland by the RPCC have turned a few heads.
Some were surprised to pass by a GOP-sponsored tent at the 2014 Gay Games and to see a large banner that read, “Cuyahoga County Republicans Welcome You To Cleveland.” But we felt that it was important to let the 9,000 athletes and 20,000 spectators in attendance know that we are ready to fight to earn each and every vote.
We have also taken part in meaningful conversations with minority groups in churches, college campuses and any place in Cleveland that would have us.
In August of 2015, the RPCC hosted the Urban GOP Conference. That first-of-its-kind forum brought together Republican mayors, members of Congress, state legislators and other business leaders to exchange ideas and discuss policies that would benefit residents in U.S. urban centers.
More recently, I had the privilege of being the very first Republican leader to speak at the annual Who’s Who In Black Cleveland reception. I joked to those in attendance that I was the “elephant in the room.” However, unbeknownst to some, I wasn’t the only one. An accomplished African-American business executive and fellow Republican, Andrew Jackson, happened to be the guest of honor that night.
The reality is that the Republican Party of Cuyahoga County has members from all walks of life — black, white, gay, straight, rich, poor — and we couldn’t be prouder of our diversity because we know that a more inclusive party will lead to a stronger America.
We know what it takes to win in Cleveland. That’s why the Republican National Committee chose our great city to host what will undoubtedly be the most-watched political convention in American history. And it’s one that they will still be talking about 80 years from now.
Rob Frost is the Chairman of the Republican Party of Cuyahoga County. He can be reached at [email protected]
In 1936 and at least 30 years later, the Democratic Party was the friend of the working class. It was the friend of the military. It’s deterioration into a party of elitists and freeloaders became official in the 1990’s Clinton days. Republicans today are weak and ineffective. They have a huge majority in Congress and yet little changes. Time to have a moderate third party. Meanwhile, Trump is the only hope for change today.
Trump certainly has the qualities we would want in a president: short fingers, thin skin, hair from a 3D printer, mob ties,.endorsements from the KKK and Kim Jong-un, narcissistic, and perhaps he is even smarter than Sarah Palin……what more could America ask for?
But seriously….. I enjoy a good joke, but this has gone on too long. When are they going to show us the real presidential candidates?
Then we have the unethical phony who dressed like Maude from that early 70’s tv show. Having a charity that gives little to charity. Talking about foreign policy experience when under her watch as Sec. of State the middle east makes the 8th century look good. Then boasting about her hubby who gave us NAFTA and deregulated Wall Street.
Oh yeah, I get it. I got the jokes both parties are feeding us quite a few months ago. They just aren’t that funny anymore.
You are correct! Nothing too funny about politics or the way this country is going these days.
Correct…. voters from age 18 to 81+ are engaged to make their position known in public and in the voting booth… this is most engaged election I have seen in decades… no matter who you lean towards, Donald or Hillary, if anyone has not already decided (98%) who they are voting for by now then please stay home and don’t vote in November….you really have no clue or notion of the great decline our Country has suffered through.
One last thought….2 to 4 Supreme Court Justices will be appointed to the Judicial Branch next 4 to 8 years…. that all by itself, should set the course for voters.
How do you envision our Country being better off 4 to 8 years from now if Hillary appoints the next 2 to 4 SCOTUS ?
law5960:Trump must be a lot smarter than you as he won.
I will admit that what you say could be humorous. However, your logical deficiencies keep it from being really funny. Think about it. Hint: I am not, and never have been, Sarah Palin.
I agree that the Democrats were not the best but definitely got worse once they published on the Congressional Records (boldly) their 1963 Communist Manifesto to take over American in 44 steps, and I am thinking getting Hillary in the WH this time is the end of America and us! Never forget, however,that they were the progressives (communists) for so many years before that date and were the elites at that time trying to take over and make Americans slaves. I remember my father telling us how he and others fought to have unions (which at that time really were great until the Democrat run AFL took over in the 60’s!) and how women had to fight and struggle to get the vote again denied by the progressives, who even until today fight against women rising, especially the male-like female Hillary who has shown huge disdain for females. So, yes, we had better control the vote for getting Trump in the WH because our future would down the toilet immediately with any DNC candidate because we all know that both Hillary and Bernie are long time communists, but, yes, I would like to see the fight at the DNC Convention and see how they spit on each other and make further fools of themselves. Maybe then, the brain dead who have and/or will vote for either may wake up and realize they have been had royally for well over a 100 years. But, then again, they have drunken so much fool’s aid they won’t wake up and realize they have been had, but that again will be a wee bit late for them and America. Having lived and worked outside the USA, I voted for America and Trump because he is the only antidote we found to get America well and on track!
If only Trump would keep his mouth shut and talk more about the issues, he could easily beat Hillary. The way he is going now, he is handing the election to her on a silver platter.