All presidential elections revolve around contentious topics, but this one has forced voters, recreational political buffs, and the nation as a whole to address the purpose and responsibilities of the government. The Republican National Convention, July 18-21, featured some of the most important figures in the Republican Party, such as Donald Trump, along with his family and business empire.

Day 1 of the convention focused around the slogan “Make America Safe Again.”  Patricia Smith, mother of Sean Smith, one of four Americans killed in the Benghazi attacks of September 2012 in Libya, confessed that she “blames Hillary Clinton personally for the death of [her] son.”  Military contractors John Tiegen and Mark Geist, two men who survived the Benghazi attacks, recounted the events of September 11-12, 2012.  Tiegen explained how he checked for signs of life in CIA operatives Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty, found none, and announced their deaths.  Geist described getting injured and being treated in the midst of combat.  

“The Republican National Convention focused heavily on national security and painted a grim picture of the nation.  This is typical in a “change” election cycle,” AP Government teacher Mr. Daniel Bachman said.  A change election cycle in an election in which the incumbent has already served two terms.

Melania Trump’s speech communicates details of her immigrant experience and passion for America, but also sparked controversy when some of her speech seemed to be plagiarized from Michelle Obama’s speech at the Democratic National Convention of 2008.  Speculation rose, but the speechwriter—Meredith McIver— was not fired.  Though many believe the incident was blown out of proportion, controversy accompanies any suspected plagiarism scandal because it touches a core ideal: honesty.  

“Actions speak louder than words.  Talking about one’s word meaning something and actually meaning something is completely different.  One is trustworthy and respectable and one isn’t,” junior and AP US History student Samantha Cupolo said.  

Day two of the convention was grounded by the phrase “Make America Work Again.”  Tiffany Trump spoke of her father’s strengths and shared with the nation that “his desire for excellence is contagious.”  Donald Trump, Jr., like Tiffany,  highlights his father’s long history of problem-solving success.  “We have actually started to believe that solving our great problems is an impossible task.  That’s why we need to elect a man who has a track record of accomplishing the impossible.”  

Former Republican primary contender Dr. Ben Carson used a bifurcated explanation, beginning by citing his career of neurosurgery to comment on the human brain’s ability to reason.  Next, Dr. Carson speaks about Saul Alinsky, the subject of Hillary Clinton’s senior thesis, and how his 1971 book Rules for Radicals “acknowledges Lucifer” in the dedication page.  He then posed the question: “Are we willing to elect someone as president who has, as their role model, somebody who acknowledges Lucifer?”  

“Both sides have, unfortunately, sunk into a negative campaign seeking to demonize the opposition.  In my opinion, this is a disservice to the voters in that neither candidate has been properly vetted on the issues,” Mr. Bachman said.  

Day three’s mantra was “Make America First Again.”  Eric Trump’s pride for his father shone through every word of his speech and urged Americans to see the Republican nominee in light of America’s current state. “It’s time for a president with common sense.”  

Indiana Governor and vice presidential pick Mike Pence sought to address notions the fear that Mr. Trump will be a belligerent incendiary. “I’ve seen this good man up close, his utter lack of pretense, his respect for the people who work for him and his devotion to his family.  This is the outsider, my running mate, who turned a long-shot campaign into a movement.”

Finally, the last day of the convention concentrated around the rallying cry “Make America One Again.”  Ivanka Trump spoke at length to combat notions of Mr. Trump’s sexism. “When Donald Trump is in charge, all that counts is ability, effort and excellence.  Women are paid equally for the work that we do and when a woman becomes a mother, she is supported, not shut out.”

Donald Trump spoke on the concluding day of the convention, delivering an hour and 15 minute address that touched on the key points of this campaign: immigration security concerns, foreign and domestic terrorism, the increase in violence, job creation, Justice Scalia’s replacement, and the proper— if at all applicable— usage of politically correct speech.  The Republican nominee clinched his speech with an emotional appeal to viewers that took into account both the past and present while generating hope for a better future. “We will make America strong again.  We will make America proud. We will make America safe again. And we will make America great again. Thank you!”