First Day Of RNC 2020

Much is being made of not just who is attending the convention — but who isn’t? George W. Bush, the only living former Republican president, is skipping the convention. Contrast that with the Democratic National Convention, where all the living former Democratic presidents — Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama — spoke in support of nominee Joe Biden. Meanwhile, former Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar announced he would be voting for Biden, joining former Republican Congressman Ray LaHood and other former Republican officials such as Ohio Gov. John Kacich, General and Secretary of State Colin Powell.

The 21st is joined with a chief political reporter from the Chicago Tribune to talk more about the Repubican National Convention and how it's contrasting to the Democratic National Convention last week.

Guests:

Rick Pearson, chief political reporter for the Chicago Tribune

Prepared for web by Zainab Qureshi

This week we asked our texting group:

In light of our Republican National Convention coverage, we asked our Text The 21st group, “What are you hoping to hear from Republicans and why? What issues would you like to see highlighted? (And do you lean Republican or Democratic?).”

Gene in Champaign told us, “I lean Democratic although I consider myself independent. What I want to hear is the truth not a bunch of innuendo. I would think better of the GOP if they would stand up for the governed and not making dubious claims for what they have done.

Help shape our coverage on The 21st by joining our texting group and answering weekly questions. To join, text “TALK” to 217-803-0730 or sign up with your phone number below: