15,000 Reporters Converge on Cleveland for GOP Convention

The Republican National Convention unfolds this week in Cleveland. The four-day GOP jamboree offers the party a chance to set its message as Donald Trump prepares to go head-to-head with Hillary Clinton, the presumptive Democratic nominee, in the race for the White House. Thousands opposed to Trump's more bellicose, antagonistic statements and positions also have descended on Cleveland to air their grievances and draw attention to what they say is wrong about Trump and the GOP platform.

Keep tabs on the RNC throughout the week in our daily live blogs, with frequent updates and reporting from Cleveland. Have something to say? Join the conversation in our comment sections.

» Find Day One Coverage: Monday, July 18

Sunday, July 17 Coverage

Weaponry on the Streets of Cleveland Prompts Unusual Request to Governor

On the eve of the GOP convention, the head of the Cleveland patrol officers union asked Ohio Gov. John Kasich on Sunday to suspend the open-carry law in Cuyahoga County. The union believes the governor could declare a "state of emergency" that would allow open carry of firearms to be suspended in Cleveland as thousands of delegates and protesters gather here.

Read More: No Water Guns Near GOP Convention But Real Guns Are OK and Cops Are Worried

Hail, Hail, the Gang's All Here

There are 15,000 journalists credentialed for the Republican National Convention in Cleveland this week, covering 2,472 delegates who will select one nominee for president.

Without the prospect of a floor fight to deny Trump the nomination, and with the most prominent Trump foes in the party staying away from Cleveland, the dramatic internal strife will be muted. Thus, the convention will mostly be a four-day GOP infomercial — as designed.

That's 15,000 journalists to cover a scripted-for-TV Trump jamboree.

— Dennis Robaugh

Don't Mess with the Cops

The man was charged with petty theft, Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams said Monday morning during his security briefing, explaining that the man grabbed a gas-mask pouch from an Ohio State Trooper. Williams said the man may have mental issues.

Police, Secret Service and Department of Homeland Security officers deployed around the convention zone carry gas masks in pouches strapped to their belts.

Patriotic But Wrong

A young man in American flag shorts crosses the street near Public Square in Cleveland while intently eyeballing his smartphone. (Pokémon Go, perhaps?) He may love his country, but the American flag should never be used to wrap your giblets and keester.

— Dennis Robaugh

A Force of One at Firearms Protest

On Sunday morning, Westlake's Steve Thacker strapped ammo to his chest, slung his AR-15 over his shoulder, and headed to Public Square to rally outside the GOP convention. He hoped to gather with many like-minded citizens who support the right to bear arms openly in public or hidden beneath their clothes.

Alas, he was a demonstration of one.

“I pose no threat to anyone. I’m an American citizen. I’ve never been in trouble for anything," Thacker told reporters, adding that he didn't intend to wander around outside the convention with his weaponry all day. “I should be able to conceal this weapon under my clothing so no one sees it, then people (won't) feel threatened or upset."

The 57-year-old retired Marine and IT engineer, however, was able to spread his message far and wide as he was seriously outnumbered by reporters looking for a story.

"I feel like one light bulb with a zillion moths," Thacker said.

The pro-gun rally organizer, Richard Medlar, told NBC he was disappointed in the turnout.

— Dennis Robaugh

Turd Blossom in the House

Republican strategist Karl Rove (affectionately dubbed "Turd Blossom" by President George W. Bush) had his own welcoming committee on Sunday at the airport.

Cleveland Hopkins Airport underwent a yearlong renovation and major upgrades in an effort to create an impressive, welcoming environment for the many people coming to town for this convention. Several new restaurants were added to a new food court, too.

Get to Know Cleveland

The city of Cleveland has put up posters on Euclid Avenue touting some of the city's unique history for first-time visitors brought to the shores of Lake Erie for the convention.

A Crowning Achievement for Donald Trump

Cleveland, OH — Donald Trump's formal nomination as the GOP's presidential candidate — once dismissed as improbable and mocked as inexplicable — now seems all but inevitable as the Republican National Convention begins in Cleveland. A Manhattan real estate developer, brand magnate and reality TV show celebrity making his first run for public office, we've come to know Trump as the man who vows to "make America great again."

The party of Abraham Lincoln, the Great Emancipator, and Ronald Reagan, the Great Communicator, looks very different as Republicans arrive in Cleveland, and the campaign waged by Trump, who might be called the Tweet Denigrator, looks like nothing we've ever seen.

Read More: Republican Convention a Crowning Achievement for Donald Trump