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2012 Republican National Convention#Nominations

{{short description|U.S. political event held in Tampa, Florida}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2014}}

{{infobox National Political Convention

| year = 2012

| party = Republican

| logo = 2012 Republican National Convention Logo.png

| logo_size = 140px

| image = RP2012.png

| image_size = 125

| image2 = RV2012.png

| image_size2 = 125

| caption = Nominees
Romney and Ryan

| date = August 27–30, 2012

| venue = Tampa Bay Times Forum

| city = Tampa, Florida

| keynote_speaker = Chris Christie{{cite news|last=Shear|first=Michael D.|title=Christie to Be G.O.P. Convention Keynote Speaker|url=http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/08/14/christie-to-be-g-o-p-convention-keynote-speaker/|access-date=August 14, 2012|newspaper=The New York Times|date=August 14, 2012}}

| speakers = Rick Santorum
Ann Romney
Rand Paul
John McCain
Condoleezza Rice
Susana Martinez
Tim Pawlenty
Rob Portman
Jeb Bush
Clint Eastwood
Marco Rubio
John Kasich
Ted Cruz
Mike Huckabee
Newt Gingrich
Scott Walker
Mitch McConnell
Nikki Haley
John Boehner
Artur Davis

| presidential_nominee = Mitt Romney of Massachusetts

| vice_presidential_nominee = Paul Ryan of Wisconsin

| previous_year = 2008

| next_year = 2016

| ballots = 1

| totaldelegates = 2,286{{cite web |last=Berg-Andersson |first=Richard E. |title=Republican Detailed Delegate Allocation – 2012 |url=http://www.thegreenpapers.com/P12/R-Alloc.phtml |access-date=December 29, 2011 }}

| votesneeded = 1,144 (Absolute Majority)

| presidenttotals = Romney (MA): 2,061 (90.16%)
Paul (TX): 190 (8.31%)
Santorum (PA): 9 (0.39%)

| vicepresidenttotals = Ryan (WI): 100% (Acclamation)

}}

{{US 2012 elections series}}

File:Tampa Florida November 2013-23a (1).jpg was the site of the 2012 Republican National Convention]]

{{Location map many | USA |left| width=300 |caption=Sites of the 2012 national party conventions.

| alt=Map of United States showing Charlotte, Tampa, Nashville, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Baltimore

| mark1=blue pog.svg | mark1size=8 | lat1_deg=35.2269 | lon1_deg=-80.843333 | label1=Charlotte | position1=right

| mark2=red pog.svg | mark2size=12 | lat2_deg=27.9709 | lon2_deg=-82.46464 | label2=Tampa | position2=left

| mark3=purple pog.svg | mark3size=8 | lat3_deg=36.165 |lon3_deg=-86.784 | label3=Nashville | position3=left

| mark4=yellow pog.svg | mark4size=8 | lat4_deg=36.176 | lon4_deg=-115.137 | label4=Las Vegas | position4=right

| mark5=green pog.svg | mark5size=8 | lat5_deg=39.283333 | lon5_deg=-76.616667 | label5=Baltimore | position5=left

}}

The 2012 Republican National Convention was a gathering held by the U.S. Republican Party during which delegates officially nominated former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and Representative Paul Ryan of Wisconsin for president and vice president, respectively, for the 2012 election. Prominent members of the party delivered speeches and discussed the convention theme, "A Better Future."{{cite web |title="A Better Future" to be Republican Convention Theme |url=http://www.gopconvention2012.com/news-press/press-releases/a-better-future-to-be-republican-convention-theme/ |publisher=Republican National Convention |date=August 20, 2012}} The convention was held during the week of August 27, 2012, in Tampa, Florida{{cite web |last=Ambinder |first=Marc |date=March 3, 2010 |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2010/03/2012-news-rnc-has-its-convention-date/36950/ |title=2012 News: RNC Has Its Convention Date |work=The Atlantic |access-date=March 3, 2010}} at the Tampa Bay Times Forum (now Amalie Arena). The city, which expected demonstrations and possible vandalism, used a federal grant to bolster its police force in preparation. Due to the approach of Hurricane Isaac, convention officials changed the convention schedule on August 26, 2012; the convention came to order on August 27, 2012, and then immediately recessed until the following afternoon because of the risk of Isaac hitting Tampa.{{cite news|last=Weiner|first=Rachel|title=GOP revises convention schedule|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/election-2012/wp/2012/08/26/gop-revises-convention-schedule/|access-date=August 27, 2012|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=August 26, 2012|archive-date=August 28, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120828153017/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/election-2012/wp/2012/08/26/gop-revises-convention-schedule/|url-status=dead}}

Background

=Site selection=

File:Banner RNC2012 TampaBay.jpg

On August 14, 2009, the Republican National Committee named an eight-member Site Selection Committee to start the process of selecting a host city for the 2012 convention.{{cite web |url=http://www.demconwatchblog.com/diary/2175/gop-names-2012-site-selection-committee |title=GOP names 2012 site selection committee |publisher=DemConWatchblog.com |date=August 17, 2009 |access-date=August 17, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110709012029/http://www.demconwatchblog.com/diary/2175/gop-names-2012-site-selection-committee |archive-date=July 9, 2011 |url-status=usurped |df=mdy-all }} News reports in early 2010 indicated that Tampa, as well as Salt Lake City, Utah and Phoenix, Arizona, had been selected as finalist candidates for the convention site.{{cite web |url=http://www.demconwatchblog.com/diary/3124/salt-lake-1-of-4-finalists-for-2012-republican-convention |title=Salt Lake 1 of 4 finalists for 2012 Republican Convention |publisher=DemConWatchblog.com |date=January 30, 2010 |access-date=January 31, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110709012033/http://www.demconwatchblog.com/diary/3124/salt-lake-1-of-4-finalists-for-2012-republican-convention |archive-date=July 9, 2011 |url-status=usurped |df=mdy-all }}{{cite news |url=http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/02/01/20100201phoenix-finalist-for-gop-convention-2012-ON.html |title=Phoenix 1 of 4 finalists for 2012 GOP Convention |date=February 1, 2010 |access-date=February 1, 2010 |work=The Arizona Republic}} The decision was announced on May 12, 2010, when Tampa was selected as the host city.{{cite news |last=Lush |first=Tamara |date=May 12, 2010 |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hvykQk2JmbjJkL_pptPLpVf1zHCgD9FLQBRO0 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100513102244/http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hvykQk2JmbjJkL_pptPLpVf1zHCgD9FLQBRO0 |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 13, 2010 |title=Tampa wins bid to host 2012 GOP convention |agency=Associated Press |access-date=May 13, 2010}}

=Host Committee=

The 2012 Tampa Bay Host Committee, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, was the official and federally designated presidential convention host committee for the convention, charged with the task of raising the necessary funds to hold the convention.{{cite web |url=http://2012tampa.com/host-committee-details/ |title=Host Committee details |access-date=May 1, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120421192212/http://2012tampa.com/host-committee-details/ |archive-date=April 21, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} The Host Committee was composed of 10 prominent Florida business executives, civic leaders, and other community leaders. Al Austin was chairman and Ken Jones served as the president and chief executive officer.{{cite web |work=Tampa Bay Business Journal |first=Margaret |last=Cashill |date=May 21, 2010 |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/tampabay/stories/2010/05/17/daily45.html |title=Republican National Convention to enlist local talent in 2012}}{{cite web |url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/with-big-projects-unfolding-across-tampa-bay-10-people-to-watch-in-2012/1215102/ |title=With big projects unfolding across Tampa Bay, 10 people to watch in 2012 |first=Robert |last=Trigaux |date=February 12, 2012}} The Host Committee achieved its fundraising goal as of August 27, 2012, having raised more than $55,000,000 to host the 2012 Republican National Convention.

=Objectives and themes=

{{see also|You didn't build that}}

The convention theme was "A Better Future".{{cite news|title="A Better Future" to be Republican Convention Theme|url=http://www.gopconvention2012.com/news-press/press-releases/a-better-future-to-be-republican-convention-theme/|access-date=August 20, 2012|date=August 17, 2012|author=Republican National Convention|quote="After four years of high unemployment and skyrocketing debt, we need America's 'Comeback Team' to get the country working again and protect the American Dream for our children and grandchildren," said Priebus. "During our convention, the American people will hear about the priorities, experience and knowhow of our nominees and their plans to secure a better future for our country.}} Each day also had its own theme: Monday's was "We Can Do Better"; Tuesday's was "We Built It"; Wednesday's was "We Can Change It"; and Thursday's was "We Believe in America." In addition to these daily themes, the Republican National Committee announced that it would present a series of policy workshops to be hosted by former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich called "Newt University".{{cite web|url=http://www.gopconvention2012.com/news-press/press-releases/newt-u-details-announced/ |title=Newt U Details Announced - 2012 Republican National Convention |publisher=Gopconvention2012.com |date=August 26, 2012 |access-date=August 27, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120902031740/http://www.gopconvention2012.com/news-press/press-releases/newt-u-details-announced/ |archive-date=September 2, 2012 }} A primary objective of the convention, described both as Romney's "biggest election hurdle" and as Romney's "most urgent task" of concern by top Republicans, was to counter efforts to portray him as an out-of-touch elitist and to rehabilitate the image of his business career.{{cite news|last1=Harris|first1=John F.|last2=Burns|first2=Alexander|title=Mitt Romney RNC: GOP still frets about candidate's image|url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0812/80230.html|newspaper=Politico|date=August 28, 2012}} The convention lasted from August 27–30, 2012. According to the convention website, it hosted 2,286 delegates, 2,125 alternates and 15,000 credentialed members of the media. The convention CEO was William D. Harris.{{cite web|title=About the 2012 Republican National Convention|url=http://www.gopconvention2012.com/about/|access-date=August 2, 2012|author=Committee on Arrangements for the 2012 Republican National Convention}} Several notable Republican figures chose not to attend the convention, including former presidents George W. Bush and George H. W. Bush, and former vice-president Dick Cheney. However, a video tribute to George W. Bush, who had stayed out of the political arena since leaving office three years earlier, was shown at the convention on Wednesday night, in which Bush's family members praised him. In the tribute, Bush's father, George H.W. Bush, said of George W. Bush: "There was never a taint of scandal around his presidency. And I think we forget the importance of that."{{cite news | work = CBS News | url = https://www.cbsnews.com/news/bush-appears-at-gop-convention-in-a-video/ | title = Bush appears at GOP convention – in a video | first = Lindsey | last = Boerma | date = August 29, 2012 | access-date = September 6, 2012}}

=Security=

File:RNC Tampa August 30 2012.jpg

The convention was designated as a National Special Security Event, which meant that ultimate authority over law enforcement went to the Secret Service and Department of Homeland Security.[https://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/23/us/politics/to-prepare-for-convention-tampa-restricts-protests.html To Prepare for Republican Convention, Tampa Restricts Protests]. The New York Times. July 22, 2012 The federal government provided $50 million for Convention security.{{cite news|last=Butera|first=Jeff|title=Tampa receiving $50M grant for RNC|url=http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/region_tampa/tampa-receiving-50m-grant-for-rnc|access-date=January 28, 2012|newspaper=ABC Action News|date=January 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120109232141/http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/region_tampa/tampa-receiving-50m-grant-for-rnc|archive-date=January 9, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} Much of the money went to deputizing additional police. Other expenses included expanded surveillance technology and an armored SWAT vehicle.{{cite news |last=Rayfield |first=Jillian |title=How The 2012 Conventions Will Leave A Permanent Surveillance And Security Footprint In Host Cities |url=http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/01/how_the_2012_conventions_will_leave_a_surveillance_and_security_footprint_in_host_cities.php |access-date=January 28, 2012 |newspaper=Talking Points Memo |date=January 25, 2012}}{{cite news |last=Danielson |first=Richard |title=Republican National Convention funds to buy two tactical Tampa Fire Rescue vehicles |url=http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/republican-national-convention-funds-to-buy-two-tactical-tampa-fire-rescue/1215483 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130619153317/http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/republican-national-convention-funds-to-buy-two-tactical-tampa-fire-rescue/1215483 |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 19, 2013 |access-date=February 15, 2012 |newspaper=Tampa Bay Times |date=February 15, 2012}} Tampa Bay disclosed specifically that it had spent $1.18 M on video linkages between ground police and helicopters.{{cite news|last=Harrison |first=Steve |title=N.C. Police Won't Talk About $25M In Equipment For DNC |url=http://www.officer.com/news/10618596/nc-police-wont-talk-about-25m-in-equipment-for-dnc |access-date=January 28, 2012 |newspaper=The Charlotte Observer |date=January 26, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323131307/http://www.officer.com/news/10618596/nc-police-wont-talk-about-25m-in-equipment-for-dnc |archive-date=March 23, 2012 }}{{cite news |title=After questions, Tampa City Council approves police upgrades for Republican National Convention |url=http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/baybuzz/content/after-questions-tampa-city-council-approves-police-upgrades-republican-national-convention |access-date=January 29, 2012 |newspaper=Tampa Bay Times |date=January 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130619153344/http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/baybuzz/content/after-questions-tampa-city-council-approves-police-upgrades-republican-national-convention |archive-date=June 19, 2013 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}{{cite news |last=Danielson |first=Richard |title=Tampa City Council approves police upgrades for 2012 GOP National Convention |url=http://www.tampabay.com/news/localgovernment/tampa-city-council-approves-police-upgrades-for-2012-republican-national/1209265 |access-date=January 29, 2012 |newspaper=Tampa Bay Times |date=January 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120115154101/http://www.tampabay.com/news/localgovernment/tampa-city-council-approves-police-upgrades-for-2012-republican-national/1209265 |archive-date=January 15, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} The city paid $16,500 to the Florida State Fairgrounds Authority in exchange for police use of local fairgrounds as a command center.{{cite news|last=Wiatrowski|first=Kevin|title=City to reimburse agency for lost tolls|url=http://www2.tbo.com/news/republican-national-convention/2012/aug/02/memeto2-city-to-reimburse-agency-for-lost-tolls-ar-450116/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130203120758/http://www2.tbo.com/news/republican-national-convention/2012/aug/02/memeto2-city-to-reimburse-agency-for-lost-tolls-ar-450116/|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 3, 2013|access-date=August 2, 2012|newspaper=Tampa Tribune|date=August 2, 2012}}

Dani Doane of The Heritage Foundation described the police presence as "unnerving" and "like a police state".{{cite news|last=Morelli|first=Keith|title=Tampa Visitors Overwhelmed by Police Presence For some of those in town for the Republican National Convention, the atmosphere is unnerving|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2012/08/30/tampa-visitors-overwhelmed-by-police-presence|access-date=August 31, 2012|newspaper=US News|date=August 30, 2012}}Other delegates had similar criticism of the "police state" environment in Tampa.{{cite news|title=RNC attendees give Tampa Bay area mixed reviews as they head home|url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/rnc-attendees-give-tampa-bay-area-mixed-reviews-as-they-head-home/1249048/|access-date=August 31, 2012|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|date=August 31, 2012}} Others reported a quiet week with small protests and few arrests.{{cite news|last=Velde|first=Jessica Vander|title=Tampa police leaders draw praise for peaceful RNC week|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/onpolitics/post/2012/08/republican-national-convention-protests-arrests-tampa-police/1#.UEEMV1TyveY|access-date=August 31, 2012|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|date=August 31, 2012}}{{cite news|last=Carlton|first=Sue|title=Sue Carlton: Not quite kumbaya during RNC week, but oddly close to it|url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/sue-carlton-not-quite-kumbaya-during-rnc-week-but-oddly-close-to-it/1248639/|access-date=August 31, 2012|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|date=August 30, 2012}} Police handed out bottles of water during the event{{cite news|last=Miller|first=Carlos|title=Police Detain Two Journalists for Documenting Checkpoints During RNC|url=http://www.pixiq.com/article/police-detain-two-journalists-for-documenting-checkpoints#mvzA1jOtrMoYB9ot.16|access-date=August 31, 2012|newspaper=Pixiq|date=August 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120901075718/http://www.pixiq.com/article/police-detain-two-journalists-for-documenting-checkpoints#mvzA1jOtrMoYB9ot.16|archive-date=September 1, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} and at one point served protestors a box lunch.{{cite news|title=Police food donation has protesters eating their words|url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/local/police-food-donation-has-protesters-eating-their-words/1248823/|access-date=August 31, 2012|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|date=August 30, 2012|author=Marissa Lang|author2=Kim Wilmath}}

The convention

=Platform=

A committee, chaired by Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell, met in Tampa to draft a party platform. On August 21, 2012, the committee released a 60-page document for approval at the convention. The platform was enthusiastically approved at the convention on August 28.{{cite web |title=GOP OKs platform barring abortions, gay marriage |url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/gop-oks-platform-barring-abortions-gay-marriage/ |publisher=FoxNews/AP |date=August 28, 2012}} Policies include:{{cite web|url=http://www.gopconvention2012.com|title=We Believe In America, 2012 Republican Platform|website=The New York Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100906055338/http://www.gopconvention2012.com/|archive-date=September 6, 2010|url-status=dead|access-date=17 November 2018|df=mdy-all}}

  • A Human Life Amendment banning abortion (with exceptions, if any, to be determined by Congress){{cite web | publisher = FactCheck.org | title = Another Abortion Falsehood from Obama's 'Truth Team' | date = August 23, 2012 | access-date = September 7, 2012 | url = http://factcheck.org/2012/08/another-abortion-falsehood-from-obamas-truth-team/ | first = Brooks | last = Jackson}} and legislation "to make clear that the Fourteenth Amendment's protections apply to unborn children."{{cite news|first = Peter | last = Hamby |title=First on CNN: GOP prepares tough anti-abortion platform|url=http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/08/20/first-on-cnn-gop-prepares-tough-anti-abortion-platform/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120822020528/http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/08/20/first-on-cnn-gop-prepares-tough-anti-abortion-platform/|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 22, 2012|access-date=September 7, 2012|date=August 20, 2012|publisher=CNN}}
  • A constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman. The right of the federal government and each state to deny legal recognition to same-sex marriages.
  • For Medicare: increase the age of eligibility and a shift to a defined contribution plan in which the government pays a fixed amount rather than cover an individual's costs.{{cite news|last=Rowley|first=James|title=Republican Platform Panel Backs Blanket Ban on Abortion|url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-08-20/republican-platform-won-t-protect-mortgage-tax-deduction|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120824025730/http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-08-20/republican-platform-won-t-protect-mortgage-tax-deduction|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 24, 2012|access-date=August 22, 2012|newspaper=Bloomberg News|date=August 22, 2012}}
  • A new "guest worker" program;"A Republican Administration and Congress [...] will consider, in light of both current needs and historic practice, the utility of a legal and reliable source of foreign labor where needed through a new guest worker program." long-term detention for "dangerous but undeportable aliens"."We support Republican legislation to give the Department of Homeland Security long-term detention authority to keep dangerous but undeportable aliens off our streets, expedite expulsion of criminal aliens, and make gang membership a deportable offense." Platform, p. 26. See: {{cite news|last=Johnson|first=Fawn|title=Republican Platform Calls for Guest-Worker Program|url=http://www.nationaljournal.com/2012-conventions/republican-platform-calls-for-guest-worker-program-20120821|access-date=August 22, 2012|newspaper=National Journal|date=August 21, 2012}}
  • Abstinence should be the only form of family planning for teenagers that is government funded.
  • Increased transparency of the Federal Reserve via audits and investigating the viability of returning to a fixed value currency.{{cite web |url=http://whitehouse12.com/republican-party-platform/#Item8 |title=2012 Republican Party Platform |publisher=WhiteHouse12.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120901044917/http://whitehouse12.com/republican-party-platform/ |archive-date=September 1, 2012}}
  • Ending the federal income tax by repealing the Sixteenth Amendment if the current taxation system is significantly changed.In any restructuring of federal taxation, to guard against hypertaxation of the American people, any value added tax or national sales tax must be tied to the simultaneous repeal of the Sixteenth Amendment, which established the federal income tax. Platform, p. 3
  • Opposing regulations on business to curb climate change, curtailing the power of the Environmental Protection Agency, and promoting "private stewardship of the environment".See Platform pp. 18–19 and: {{cite news|last=Plumer|first=Bard|title=GOP platform highlights the party's abrupt shift on energy, climate|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/wp/2012/08/30/gop-platform-highlights-the-partys-drastic-shift-on-energy-climate-issues/|access-date=August 31, 2012|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=August 30, 2012|archive-date=September 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120901094825/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/wp/2012/08/30/gop-platform-highlights-the-partys-drastic-shift-on-energy-climate-issues/|url-status=dead}}

=Nominations=

{{main|Republican Party presidential primaries, 2012}}

According to Fox News{{cite web |title=Romney clinches GOP nomination with Texas primary win

|url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/romney-clinches-gop-nomination-with-texas-primary-win/

|publisher=Fox News Channel |date=May 30, 2012}} and Associated Press delegate projections,{{cite web |url=http://elections.nytimes.com/2012/primaries/delegates |title=Republican Delegate Count |access-date=July 19, 2012 |work=The New York Times}} Mitt Romney, former Governor of Massachusetts, clinched the Republican presidential nomination in the Texas primary on May 29, 2012, and became the party's presumptive nominee.{{cite web |last=Holland |first=Steve |date=May 30, 2012 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-campaign-romney-idUSBRE84T02720120530 |title=Romney clinches Republican 2012 nomination in Texas |work=Reuters |access-date=May 30, 2012}} Two weeks before the convention, on August 11, Romney announced Paul Ryan as his running mate.{{cite web |title=Romney completes GOP ticket with Rep. Ryan, projects 'steadiness' |url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/romney-completes-gop-ticket-with-rep-ryan-projects-steadiness/ |publisher=Fox News Channel |date=August 11, 2012}} The decision made Ryan the first major party vice presidential candidate from Wisconsin.[https://archive.today/20121208214614/http://m.host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/ryan-joins-host-of-wisconsin-politicians-in-u-s-limelight/article_6ddb19f4-e41d-11e1-b33d-0019bb2963f4.html Ryan joins host of Wisconsin politicians in U.S. limelight], Wisconsin State Journal, August 11, 2012.

Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich formally released their delegates in the week before the convention and encouraged them to vote for Romney. Ron Paul retained his delegates, as part of an overall strategy to influence the party. The final composition of several delegations was subject to ruling of the Committee on Contests.

The traditional roll call of the states, which permits delegates to promote their home states, took place on Tuesday, August 28, 2012, the first full day of the convention.

class="wikitable"

!Candidates

!File:Mitt Romney speaking close up cropped.jpgMitt Romney

!File:Ron Paul (6815719465) (cropped).jpgRon Paul

!File:Rick Santorum by Gage Skidmore 11.jpgRick Santorum

!File:Jon Huntsman (6184009883) (cropped).jpgJon Huntsman

!File:Michele Bachmann (6239099148) (cropped).jpgMichele Bachmann

!File:Buddy Roemer by Gage Skidmore 2.jpgBuddy Roemer

!File:Pictogram voting abstain.svgAbstain

States / Territories

|53

|3

|

|

|

Alabama

(50 Delegates)

|50

|

|

|

|

|

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Alaska

(27 Delegates)

|18

|9

|

|

|

|

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American Samoa

(9 Delegates)

|9

|

|

|

|

|

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Arizona

(29 Delegates)

|26

|3

|

|

|

|

|

Arkansas

(36 Delegates)

|36

|

|

|

|

|

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California

(172 Delegates)

|172

|

|

|

|

|

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Colorado

(36 Delegates)

|28

|

|

|

|

|

|8

Connecticut

(28 Delegates)

|28

|

|

|

|

|

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Delaware

(17 Delegates)

|17

|

|

|

|

|

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Washington, D.C.

(19 Delegates)

|19

|

|

|

|

|

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Florida

(50 Delegates)

|50

|

|

|

|

|

|

Georgia

(76 Delegates)

|72

|3

|

|

|

|

|1

Guam

(9 Delegates)

|9

|

|

|

|

|

|

Hawaii

(20 Delegates)

|17

|3

|

|

|

|

|

Idaho

(32 Delegates)

|32

|

|

|

|

|

|

Illinois

(69 Delegates)

|69

|

|

|

|

|

|

Indiana

(46 Delegates)

|46

|

|

|

|

|

|

Iowa

(28 Delegates)

|6

|22

|

|

|

|

|

Kansas

(40 Delegates)

|39

|

|1

|

|

|

|

Kentucky

(45 Delegates)

|45

|

|

|

|

|

|

Louisiana

(46 Delegates)

|32

|12

|2

|

|

|

|

Maine

(24 Delegates)

|14

|10

|

|

|

|

|

Maryland

(37 Delegates)

|37

|

|

|

|

|

|

Massachusetts

(41 Delegates)

|41

|

|

|

|

|

|

Michigan

(30 Delegates)

|24

|4

|

|

|

|

|2

Minnesota

(40 Delegates)

|6

|33

|1

|

|

|

|

Mississippi

(40 Delegates)

|40

|

|

|

|

|

|

Missouri

(52 Delegates)

|45

|4

|3

|

|

|

|

Montana

(26 Delegates)

|26

|

|

|

|

|

|

Nebraska

(35 Delegates)

|33

|

|

|

|

|

|2

Nevada

(28 Delegates)

|5

|17

|

|

|

|

|6

New Hampshire

(12 Delegates)

|9

|3

|

|

|

|

|

New Jersey

(50 Delegates)

|50

|

|

|

|

|

|

New Mexico

(23 Delegates)

|23

|

|

|

|

|

|

New York

(95 Delegates)

|95

|

|

|

|

|

|

North Carolina

(55 Delegates)

|48

|7

|

|

|

|

|

North Dakota

(28 Delegates)

|23

|5

|

|

|

|

|

Northern Marianas

(9 Delegates)

|9

|

|

|

|

|

|

Ohio

(66 Delegates)

|66

|

|

|

|

|

|

Oklahoma

(43 Delegates)

|34

|6

|

|

|

|

|3

Oregon

(28 Delegates)

|23

|4

|1

|

|

|

|

Pennsylvania

(72 Delegates)

|67

|5

|

|

|

|

|

Puerto Rico

(23 Delegates)

|23

|

|

|

|

|

|

Rhode Island

(19 Delegates)

|15

|4

|

|

|

|

|

South Carolina

(25 Delegates)

|24

|1

|

|

|

|

|

South Dakota

(28 Delegates)

|28

|

|

|

|

|

|

Tennessee

(58 Delegates)

|58

|

|

|

|

|

|

Texas

(155 Delegates)

|130

|20

|1

|1

|1

|1

|1

Utah

(40 Delegates)

|40

|

|

|

|

|

|

Vermont

(17 Delegates)

|13

|4

|

|

|

|

|

Virgin Islands

(9 Delegates)

|8

|1

|

|

|

|

|

Virginia

(49 Delegates)

|46

|3

|

|

|

|

|

Virgin Islands

(9 Delegates)

|8

|1

|

|

|

|

|

Washington

(43 Delegates)

|38

|5

|

|

|

|

|

West Virginia

(31 Delegates)

|31

|

|

|

|

|

|

Wisconsin

(42 Delegates)

|41

|1

|

|

|

|

|

Wyoming

(29 Delegates)

|28

|1

|

|

|

|

|

Total Votes: 2,286

|2061

|190

|9

|1

|1

|1

|23

Paul Ryan was nominated for vice president by voice vote.

=Speakers=

File:Tampa Bay Times, North Side during GOP2012.jpg

The original plan called for speeches on Monday, but due to Tropical Storm Isaac most of the Monday program was cancelled and all the main speakers were rescheduled to speak later at the convention.{{cite web|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Elections/President/2012/0825/Hurricane-Isaac-delays-start-of-Republican-National-Convention-in-Tampa|title=Hurricane Isaac delays start of Republican National Convention in Tampa |work=The Christian Science Monitor |date=August 25, 2012 |last= Grant |first=David |access-date=August 26, 2012}}{{cite web|last=McMorris-Santoro|first=Evan|title=First Night Of Republican Convention Effectively Canceled For Storm|url=http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/08/first-night-of-republican-convention-effectively-canceled-by-weather.php|publisher=TPM|access-date=August 26, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825231836/http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/08/first-night-of-republican-convention-effectively-canceled-by-weather.php|archive-date=August 25, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}

Ron Paul was offered a speech slot, under the conditions that the Romney campaign could pre-review his remarks and that he would fully endorse Romney.{{cite news|work = The New York Times | title = Libertarian Legion Stands Ready to Accept Torch From Paul | url = https://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/26/us/politics/ron-paul-passing-torch-to-a-libertarian-legion.html | first = John | last = Harwood | access-date=August 29, 2012 | date = August 25, 2012}} Paul declined the offer, saying that he remained an "undecided voter".{{cite news | publisher = Politico | title = Ron Paul: I'm an 'undecided' voter | url = http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0812/80301.html | first = Mackenzie | last = Weinger | access-date = August 29, 2012 | date = August 28, 2012}} Paul explained that "It wouldn't be my speech. That would undo everything I've done in the last 30 years. I don't fully endorse him for president." Instead, a tribute video to Paul was shown at the convention.{{cite news|last=Shear|first=Michael D.|title=G.O.P. Convention Will Include Video Tribute to Paul|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/25/us/politics/gop-convention-to-pay-tribute-to-ron-paul.html?_r=1|newspaper=The New York Times|date=August 24, 2012}}

Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers served as the official convention host, speaking at the start of each night of the convention to provide the theme of the speeches for each evening.{{cite news|title=McMorris Rodgers now convention "host"|url=http://www.sacbee.com/2012/08/27/4761023/mcmorris-rodgers-now-convention.html|newspaper=The Sacramento Bee|date=August 27, 2012|agency=Associated Press}}{{Dead link|date=September 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

The most coveted speaking slot that was intended to close the Monday night program of the convention was scheduled to go to Ann Romney, Mitt Romney's wife. But since the major television networks had opted out on Monday's primetime coverage (prior to Monday's cancellation of activities), her speech was moved to Tuesday, August 28 after 10:00 pm EDT, when broadcast networks began coverage, with an introduction by Lucé Vela Fortuño, the First Lady of Puerto Rico.{{cite web|author=Kempite |url=http://whitehouse12.com/2012/08/21/first-night-of-the-republican-convention-will-feature-paul-cruz-huckabee-arturo-davis-and-anne-romney/ |title=First Night of the Republican Convention Will Feature Paul, Cruz, Huckabee, Arturo Davis and Anne Romney |publisher=Whitehouse12.com |date=August 21, 2012 |access-date=August 27, 2012}} Ann Romney's task in her speech was described by Lois Romano of Politico as "to try to accomplish what the sharpest minds in Republican politics have failed to do: present her stiff and awkward husband as a likable guy."{{cite news|last=Romano|first=Lois|title=Ann Romney's RNC task: Humanize Mitt|url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0812/80221.html|newspaper=Politico|date=August 28, 2012}}

Other August 28 speakers included Governors John Kasich (Ohio), Nikki Haley (South Carolina), Bob McDonnell (Virginia), and Mary Fallin (Oklahoma).{{cite news|last1=Tumulty|first1=Karen|last2=Fahrenthold|first2=David A.|title=Romney clinches GOP nomination at convention; Ann Romney, Chris Christie speak|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/ann-romney-gov-christie-to-address-gop-convention-tuesday-night/2012/08/28/de21d634-f0fd-11e1-a612-3cfc842a6d89_story.html|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=August 28, 2012}}

==Monday, August 27==

Due to Tropical Storm Isaac, the scheduled activities on Monday were postponed or canceled; RNC Chairman Reince Priebus called the convention to order at 2:00 pm on Monday and started a debt clock in the arena, before putting the convention into recess at 2:10 pm.{{cite web|title=Big-name GOP speakers slated despite Isaac|url=http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2012/08/27/Big-name-GOP-speakers-slated-despite-Isaac/UPI-72381346052600/|work=United Press International|access-date=August 27, 2012}}

==Tuesday, August 28 - Ann Romney and Chris Christie==

File:Republican National Convention.jpg

On Tuesday afternoon, the bulk of the Maine delegates walked out of the convention in protest of the decision to replace 10 Ron Paul delegates with 10 Romney delegates.{{cite web|last=Johnson |first=Neil |url=http://bangordailynews.com/2012/08/28/politics/maine-gop-delegates-threaten-to-boycott-convention-if-appeal-denied/ |title=Maine GOP delegates walk out of convention after Paul backers replaced |publisher=Bangor Daily News |date=August 29, 2012 |access-date=September 1, 2012}} This action by the RNC came in response{{failed verification|date=September 2012}} to a takeover of Maine's Republican State Convention by Paul supporters which resulted in Paul's percentage of delegates being doubled over the percentage of delegates to which he would have been entitled by the caucus vote count{{failed verification|date=September 2012}}; the additional ten delegates came at the expense of Romney.{{cite web|url=http://www.themainewire.com/2012/05/leader-ron-paul-convention-takeover-obama-romney/ |title=Leader of Ron Paul convention takeover says Obama would be better than Romney |publisher=The Maine Wire |date=May 16, 2012 |access-date=September 1, 2012}}

Originally scheduled to speak at the closing of Monday night's program, Ann Romney spoke in front of the Republican National Convention on Tuesday, August 28, 2012. Romney started off by stating that her speech was not about politics or party, but about love. She spoke about her husband, Mitt Romney, in an attempt to present her husband as likeable and relatable, responding in part to his opponents' depiction of him as an out-of-touch elitist.{{cite web|last=Romney|first=Ann|title=Ann Romney RNC Speech|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBA7rPKhGtQ|publisher=YouTube|access-date=September 9, 2012}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead YouTube link|date=February 2022}}

{{Quote box|The single dad who's working extra hours tonight so that his kids can buy some new clothes to go back to school, can take a school trip, or play a school sport, so his kids can feel, you know, just like other kids. |-Ann Romney's 2012 RNC convention speech|width=35%}}

File:Ann Romney CPAC 2011.jpg

File:Mia Love crop.jpg

The speakers for the day were:

==Wednesday, August 29 - Paul Ryan==

Wednesday saw a speech from vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan.{{cite web|url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0812/80423.html |title=Paul Ryan RNC speech transcript |publisher=Politico |date=August 29, 2012 |access-date=September 1, 2012}} The accuracy of some of Ryan's statements was widely challenged by the media, fact-checkers, and political opponents.{{cite web|last=Hook |first=Janet |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10000872396390444772804577621551971442634 |title=Ryan's Comment on Plant Closing Draws Criticism |work=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=September 1, 2012}}{{cite news|last=Calderone|first=Michael|title=Paul Ryan's Convention Speech Ignites Media War Over Facts|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/30/paul-ryan-fact-checking-media_n_1844085.html?ir=Media|newspaper=Huffington Post|date=August 30, 2012}} The Associated Press criticized Ryan for taking "factual shortcuts",{{cite news|last1=Woodward |first1=Calvin |last2=Raum |first2=Tom |url=http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/FACT-CHECK-Ryan-takes-factual-shortcuts-in-speech-3826244.php |title=FACT CHECK: Romney's deficit vow lacks specifics |work=San Francisco Chronicle |agency=Associated Press |date=August 31, 2012 |access-date=September 1, 2012}} and the speech was criticized in other outlets for being "misleading"Editorial Board, [https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/mr-ryans-speech-effective-maybe-but-definitely-misleading/2012/08/30/a9b4e690-f227-11e1-adc6-87dfa8eff430_story.html?hpid=z4 Mr. Ryan's misleading speech] (August 30, 2012). The Washington Post.Ezra Klein, [https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/wp/2012/08/30/a-not-very-truthful-speech-in-a-not-very-truthful-campaign/ A not-very-truthful speech in a not-very-truthful campaign] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160510071231/https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/wp/2012/08/30/a-not-very-truthful-speech-in-a-not-very-truthful-campaign/ |date=May 10, 2016 }} (August 30, 2012). The Washington Post. and "dishonest".Joan Walsh, [http://www.salon.com/2012/08/30/paul_ryans_brazen_lies/ Paul Ryan's brazen lies] (August 30, 2012). Salon.James Fallows, [https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2012/08/paul-ryan-and-the-post-truth-convention-speech/261775/ Paul Ryan and the Post-Truth Convention Speech] (August 30, 2012). The Atlantic. The most widely challenged portion of Ryan's speech occurred when Ryan criticized Obama for supposedly claiming, at a 2008 campaign appearance at a GM plant in Janesville, Wisconsin (which was slated for closure), that he (Obama) would keep that plant open if he became president.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TsV_Z0NPCA |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/4TsV_Z0NPCA |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Video: Obama - "Plant will be here for another 100 years" |publisher=YouTube |date=September 2, 2012 |access-date=January 3, 2014}}{{cbignore}} GM began a phased plant closing for the Janesville facility during the 2008 presidential campaign, laying off nearly all of its 1,200 workers on December 23, 2008. 57 workers remained employed at the plant during final assembly and another 40 to 50 in the decommissioning of the plant.The Janesville Gazette. [http://www.gazettextra.com/news/2009/apr/21/thursday-last-day-production-isuzu-line-comes-end/ GM Thursday is last day of production as Isuzu line comes to end]. April 21, 2009.[https://edition.cnn.com/2012/08/30/politics/pol-fact-check-ryan-gm/index.html?hpt=hp_t2 CNN Fact Check: Did Ryan get Obama's GM speech right?] CNN (August 30, 2012). Retrieved August 31, 2012. On September 19, 2011, GM reported that the Janesville plant was on standby status, as part of a contract between itself and the UAW.{{cite web|last1=Content |first1=Thomas |last2=Taschler |first2=Joe |url=http://www.jsonline.com/business/130171578.html |title=GM Janesville plant still on standby |publisher=Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel |date=September 19, 2011 |access-date=September 1, 2012}}

File:Governor NewMexico.jpg]]

The speakers for the day were:

==Thursday, August 30: Eastwood, Rubio and Romney==

{{main|Clint Eastwood at the 2012 Republican National Convention}}

File:ClintEastwoodCannesMay08.jpg

{{external media|video1=[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoqKdWY692k Eastwood Speech at RNC]}}

Actor and director Clint Eastwood made a planned surprise appearance at the convention, speaking at the top of the final hour. He spent much of his speech time on a largely improvised routine addressing an empty chair representing President Obama. In at least two instances, Eastwood implied the President had uttered profanities directed both at Romney and Eastwood.{{cite web|author=Johnson, Luke |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/30/clint-eastwood-speech_n_1844908.html |title=Clint Eastwood Speech: Movie Star Talks To An Empty Chair (VIDEO) |work=Huffington Post |date=August 31, 2012 |access-date=September 1, 2012}} Eastwood's remarks were well-received within the convention hall, but responses were mixed in the media.{{cite web|author=Lavender, Paige |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/31/scott-walker-clint-eastwood_n_1846546.html |title=Scott Walker: Clint Eastwood Speech Was One GOP Convention Moment 'I Cringed About' |work=Huffington Post |date=August 31, 2012 |access-date=September 1, 2012}} Film critic Roger Ebert commented "Clint, my hero, is coming across as sad and pathetic. He didn't need to do this to himself. It's unworthy of him".{{cite web|last=McDevitt |first=Caitlin |url=http://www.politico.com/blogs/click/2012/08/roger-ebert-eastwood-speech-was-sad-133923.html |title=Roger Ebert: Eastwood speech was 'sad' |publisher=Politico |date=August 30, 2012 |access-date=September 1, 2012}} Comedian Bob Newhart, who had popularized empty-chair interviews in the 1960s, tweeted in his deadpan humor style, "I heard that Clint Eastwood was channeling me at the RNC. My lawyers and I are drafting our lawsuit".{{cite news|last=Lang |first=Derrik J. |title=Clint Eastwood mocked for convention chair bit |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzU2VZRxtB0 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190908210041/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzU2VZRxtB0&gl=US&hl=en |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 8, 2019 |newspaper=The Detroit News |date=August 31, 2012 |agency=Associated Press }}{{ external media

| float = right

| video1 = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3u1Y0vhtYU Romney acceptance speech at the 2012 Republican National Convention]. ([https://www.npr.org/2012/08/30/160357612/transcript-mitt-romneys-acceptance-speech Transcript])

}}

Thursday night concluded with Romney's acceptance speech. He announced that if elected, a Romney administration energy policy would take "full advantage of our oil and coal and gas and nuclear and renewables".{{cite web|url=https://thehill.com/conventions-2012/gop-convention-tampa/124080-romney-voters-deserve-better-than-what-obama-has-delivered/ |title=Romney: Voters 'deserve better' than what Obama has delivered |work=The Hill |date=August 30, 2012 |access-date=January 3, 2014}} Romney also joked about the Obama administration's policies on climate change, saying "President Obama promised to begin to slow the rise of the oceans and heal the planet", a line which elicited laughter from the convention audience.Forbes [https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnmcquaid/2012/08/31/romneys-rising-oceans-joke/ Romney's Rising Oceans Joke] By way of contrast, Romney continued "MY promise...is to help you and your family."

Thursday's speakers included:

  • Connie Mack IV, United States Representative from Florida's 14th congressional district and 2012 Republican nominee from Florida for U.S. Senate.
  • Newt Gingrich, former Republican Speaker of the House and 2012 Presidential candidate & his wife, Callista Gingrich.
  • Craig Romney, son of Mitt Romney.
  • Jeb Bush, former governor of Florida accompanied by teacher Sean Duffy and former student Frantz Placide.
  • Cathy McMorris Rodgers, United States Representative for Washington's 5th congressional district.
  • Grant Bennett, CEO of CPS Technologies and former consultant of Bain Capital.
  • Ted and Pat Oparowsky and Pam Finlayson from Mitt Romney's former congregation
  • Bob White, chairman of Romney for President campaign.
  • Thomas G. Stemberg, founder of Staples Inc.
  • Ray Fernandez, owner of Vida Pharmacy
  • Kerry Healey, former lieutenant governor of Massachusetts.
  • Jane Edmonds, former Massachusetts Secretary of Workforce.
  • Clint Eastwood, actor; he was confirmed to be the "mystery speaker" that had been subject of media speculation since the opening day of the convention.{{cite web | url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0812/80458.html | title=RNC 2012: Clint Eastwood to make Romney's day| work=Politico | date=August 30, 2012 | access-date=August 30, 2012 |author1=Lee, MJ |author2=McDevitt, Caitlin }}
  • Marco Rubio, United States Senator from Florida.
  • Mitt Romney, former governor of Massachusetts and nominee for President of the United States.

=Invocations and blessings=

Besides Rabbi Soloveichik, another five religious leaders were scheduled to provide blessings or invocations, including the Rev. Sammy Rodriguez, president of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference; Ishwar Singh of the Sikh Society of Central Florida; Archbishop Demetrios, primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America; Ken and Priscilla Hutchins of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (to openBenedict, Jeff, [https://web.archive.org/web/20120828095303/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765598726/Mormon-ex-police-chief-Kenneth-Hutchins-to-pray-at-Republican-National-Convention-after-life-of.html?pg=all "Mormon, former police chief Kenneth Hutchins to pray at Republican National Convention after life of service"], Deseret News, August 22, 2012. Retrieved September 5, 2012.); and Roman Catholic Archbishop of New York Timothy Dolan.Berlinerblau, Jacques, [https://web.archive.org/web/20130909195949/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/guest-voices/post/republican-national-conventions-mixed-blessings/2012/08/28/bc443c4e-f14a-11e1-adc6-87dfa8eff430_blog.html "Republican National Convention's mixed blessings"], Washington Post blog, August 28, 2012. Retrieved September 2, 2012. Dolan gave the closing prayer.

Protests

File:Signs at the Occupy Tampa encampment.jpg

In October 2011, Tampa city officials began planning for anticipated protests, and discussions centered around small prior protests by the Occupy movement. According to former Tampa City Council member John Dingfelder, then the senior staff attorney for the mid-Florida office of the American Civil Liberties Union, the convention should expect to draw far more protestors and the city should plan on up to 10,000. Dingfelder encouraged the city to be proactive regarding where protests could occur and protestors could sleep. Tampa's Mayor Bob Buckhorn's response was "If they want a place to sleep, they can go home or to a hotel.... Just because they want to occupy something doesn't mean we are obligated to provide them with an opportunity to camp out in a public park or on a sidewalk."{{cite web |url=http://www.tampabay.com/news/localgovernment/tampa-faces-a-double-permitting-challenge-in-republican-national/1198179 |title=Tampa faces a double permitting challenge in Republican National Convention, Occupy Tampa |work=Tampa Bay Times |first=Richard |last=Danielson |date=October 23, 2011 |access-date=January 31, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120126001512/http://www.tampabay.com/news/localgovernment/tampa-faces-a-double-permitting-challenge-in-republican-national/1198179 |archive-date=January 26, 2012 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}

The city of Tampa has banned puppets from downtown during the convention, a decision which some puppet-makers say violates their civil liberties. Police claimed that puppets could be used to conceal weapons—at the 2000 RNC, police charged a group of puppet-makers in Philadelphia with conspiracy to resist arrest.{{cite news|last=Anton|first=Leonora LaPeter|title=Political puppets popular with protesters, not police|url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/elections/political-puppets-popular-with-protesters-not-police/1243174/|access-date=August 2, 2012|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|date=July 30, 2012}}

On August 4, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) held a forum addressing what would be considered free speech during the Convention.{{cite news|title=ACLU to hold forum on free speech and the RNC|url=http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/ACLU-to-hold-forum-on-free-speech-and-the-RNC-3756001.php|access-date=August 2, 2012|newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle|date=August 2, 2012|agency=Associated Press}}{{cite news|title=ACLU and Tampa police hold forum on RNC protester rights|url=http://www.wtsp.com/news/article/267306/36/ACLU-and-Tampa-police-hold-forum-on-RNC-protestor-rights|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130209135032/http://www.wtsp.com/news/article/267306/36/ACLU-and-Tampa-police-hold-forum-on-RNC-protestor-rights|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 9, 2013|publisher=WTSP|date=August 8, 2012}}

In early August, the city announced plans to provide delegates and protestors alike with water and portable toilets.{{cite news|last=Danielson|first=Richard|title=Tampa to provide RNC protesters with water, toilets and cooling misters|url=https://www.tampabay.com/news/localgovernment/tampa-to-provide-rnc-protesters-with-water-toilets-and-cooling-misters/1243635/|access-date=August 2, 2012|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|date=August 1, 2012}}

Various groups began demonstrating on July 27 in Tampa and Tallahassee as part of a one-month countdown to the convention, calling for "good jobs, healthcare, affordable education, equality and peace."{{cite news|last=Hamil|first=Jared|title=Florida protests build towards march on the RNC|url=http://www.fightbacknews.org/2012/7/31/florida-protests-build-towards-march-rnc|access-date=August 2, 2012|newspaper=Fight Back News|date=July 31, 2012}}

See also

{{portal|2010s|Conservatism}}

References

{{reflist|30em}}

External links

{{Commons category}}

  • [http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=101966 Mitt Romney's nomination acceptance speech] at The American Presidency Project
  • [http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=101961 Republican Party platform of 2012] at The American Presidency Project
  • [https://web.archive.org/web/20110711112845/http://www.gopconvention2012.com/ 2012 Republican National Convention official website]
  • [https://web.archive.org/web/20120316103426/http://2012tampa.com/ 2012 Tampa Bay Host Committee official website]
  • [https://web.archive.org/web/20080909213244/http://www.gop.com//images/legal/2008_RULES_Adopted.pdf Rules for the 2012 Republican National Convention]
  • Complete videos of convention proceedings: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuXqpK6Awmo August 28, 2012]; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HexouyqQty0 August 29, 2012]; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=as4YI0sNTgY August 30, 2012]
  • [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMuU-EwcIzs Video of Romney nomination acceptance speech for President at RNC (via YouTube)]
  • [http://convert2mp3.net/en/index.php?p=tags&id=youtube_dYQDHChcABA&key=AXYzLvaJVugW Audio of Romney nomination acceptance speech for President at RNC]{{Dead link|date=June 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
  • [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNQ1KyaXa1A Video of Ryan nomination acceptance speech for Vice President at RNC (via YouTube)]
  • [https://www.npr.org/2012/08/29/160282031/transcript-rep-paul-ryans-convention-speech Transcript and Audio of Ryan nomination acceptance speech for Vice President at RNC]
  • [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFImO7EzWxI Video of Chris Christie's Keynote Address at RNC]
  • [https://www.npr.org/2012/08/28/160213518/transcript-gov-chris-christies-convention-speech Text and Audio of Chris Christie's Keynote Address at RNC]

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