A veteran journalist who has covered previous conventions, WBFO Albany Correspondent Karen DeWitt brings an experienced perspective to the coverage of the Republican Convention in Cleveland. While many are expecting a raucous event, DeWitt has been surprised by the calm pre-convention environment.
Based on early observations, DeWitt calls the Cleveland gathering "much different that some of the conventions I've covered, make that ALL the conventions." She's been taken aback by the lack of visible enthusiasm among delegates, which is traditionally a staple of convention participants.
If it's the calm before the storm, DeWitt believes authorities will be ready. The area around the convention hall is "like a fortress." Police are patrolling on foot and on horseback. A member of the California Highway Patrol was helping to keep order.
DeWitt will be keeping watch of the New York delegation throughout the convention. State party leader Ed Cox, an early opponent of the Trump campaign, has proven to be a "good leader, a good soldier" in getting behind the upstart campaign. Cox admits that some delegates did not support Trump, but he points out that initially 16 choices were available at the start of the Republican primaries.
