Alabama's Morning News with JT
Ashley Smith Thomas on the RNC and uniting the party
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During our extensive planning efforts, we have accounted for various security scenarios that may arise, and we are confident in a plan we have implemented for the Republican National Convention this week. That security plan will remain in place. Well, I certainly hope so. Joining us now to talk a little bit more about the expectations of the convention, Ashley Smith-Thomas is back, political strategist. Ashley, welcome and thanks for being here. Thank you for having me. So, where were you when you heard and got the word on the assassination attempt with President Trump over the weekend? My husband and I, we were actually at our local YMCA working out when we got the alert on our phones, and then I quickly switched over to the news on my phone and saw what was transpiring. So, we went home and started watching everything unfold on the television, and it just was heartbreaking to see what transpired, but absolutely grateful that President Trump is alive and doing well. Yeah, I mean, everybody seems to be talking about Secret Service, missing that one building, what happened, where did it fall apart, could it have been prevented, and now we get ready to start the convention today. I would imagine, as you heard, that they are really ready for this, and they don't plan to change anything, ramp anything up. I guess there's maxed out as they can possibly be for something this large. Are you confident that they've got a hold on this whole situation now? Do you believe there will be any more security added around Donald Trump? That's a really great question. I mean, it's been revealed since the assassination attempt, that there's been requests for more Secret Service, but the requests have been denied for quite some time. There's been some reports have indicated that leading up to the RNC, that Secret Service and different federal agencies and local law enforcement have been training for this week for over a year. So, I'm sure that they have a tight plan and strategy in place, but what's also going to be interesting is the fact that it's also being reported by the New York Times that there's a expected rally in protest of 5,000 people that is going to take place today. They're in Milwaukee, and these are protesters that are going to be protesting about abortion, immigration, and the Gaza-Israel conflict. And so, if we've seen anything in the past, these protesters, it tends to get out of hand. So, hopefully, we'll see more of a peaceful protesting take place today, but that in itself is also going to make the security a little more challenging as well when you've got people protesting in the mix of also planning for 50,000 people to be arriving at the RNC to attend the convention this week. So, they're definitely going to have their hands full, for sure, and this is why it's so important for there to be such unity and structure between Secret Service's federal agencies working with hand-in-hand with local law enforcement. So, hopefully, they'll have strong communication. Now, to move these protesters to another state for the convention this week and let them protest somewhere else and not even get close to the venue there. So, let's talk about the actual speakers. It looks like Nikki Haley wasn't coming until she was and now is going to be speaking there. Are you surprised? I'm not. I'm actually really glad that they invited her. I mean, when it sounded like she was not going to be attending that in itself, I just thought I was a little disappointed because, again, when you see unity within the Republican Party, so I'm glad that she's going to be there. There's actually such a great lineup. I mean, they're already releasing names such as former Secretary of State Mike Pompeii. Of course, Governor DeSantis is going to be there. Governor Christy Noem, Governor Youngkin. You've got Charlie Kirk from Turning Point, USA. You have the UFC, CEO Dana White. And one of the things that is actually my favorite part of this because I'm so curious to see what he's going to say and do. I live in Dallas and our mayor, Eric Johnson, who was a Democrat and recently became a Republican is actually going to be speaking at the RNC. And this is huge because this is his first big public appearance at anything that's Republican since he made his announcement several months ago that he was flipping parties. So I'm really glad to see that he's going to be at the RNC. And then, of course, this week, they're going to be announcing who the VP pick is. I'm hoping today we get that name because on Wednesday, the VP pick is scheduled to be speaking. So definitely exciting times ahead for this week. But I also think too, you know, I'm sure on the forefront of many minds, it's going to be what happened on Saturday as well. So hopefully, we will hear and continue to hear a message of unity, but also hear the policy platform positions at the RNC as well as President Trump. Right. Ashley Smith Thomas. Thank you for your insight. Hey there. It is Ryan Seacrest with you. You want to make this summer unforgettable? Join me at Chumba Casino. It's the summer's hottest online destination. They are rolling out the red carpet with an amazing welcome offer just for you. So don't wait. Dive in now and play hundreds of social casino games for free. Your chance to redeem real prizes is just a spin away. Here to join me sponsored by Chumba Casino. No purchase necessary VGW group void where prohibited by law 18 plus terms and conditions apply.