Politics & Government

Remembering The 2016 Republican National Convention In Cleveland

The Republican National Convention came to Cleveland in the summer of 2016 and Patch was there.

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CLEVELAND, OH — A year ago, the city of Cleveland was placed in the center of the quadrennial political hurricane known as the presidential election cycle. For four days, the nation's most famous Republicans, national media pundits, and various celebrities spoke out, spoke up, stole speeches, and finally and officially nominated the Republican candidate for president, all while hanging out on the shores of Lake Erie.

In July 2014, Cleveland beat out Dallas, Denver, and Kansas City to win the right to host the Republican National Convention and the immediate reaction was elation. Finally, Cleveland could showcase itself to be the destination city all Clevelanders know it is.

After being selected, planning for the convention began immediately, and there was a lot to do. Over two years, Public Square was renovated, hotels were built, roads resurfaced, security strategies planned and much, much more. Riding the coattails of a Cavaliers championship, Cleveland was suddenly a big deal, finding itself thrust repeatedly into the national limelight.

Find out what's happening in Clevelandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Remember the sights, sounds, and extracurriculars from the four-day convention with this collection of articles and photographs from the events. Recall Governor John Kasich's stunning decision to no-show the RNC, the slate of celebrities that declined invitations to speak, Melania Trump's plagiarized address, and Cleveland's dazzling stretch of relative peace and political discussion.

And celebrate the media's general consensus on the city post-RNC. Cleveland ROCKED IT.

Find out what's happening in Clevelandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Joe Walsh Won't Perform At 2016 Republican Convention

"I cannot in good conscience endorse the Republican party in any way," says rocker Joe Walsh

UPDATE: Tim Tebow NOT Speaking at RNC, Trump Campaign Manager Says 'I Don't Know What Happened' (Video)
Tebow seemed surprised to find out he was scheduled to speak at the RNC after returning from the Philippines and says it was a "rumor."

Ohio Gov. John Kasich Won't Be Attending the Republican National Convention in Cleveland
"I have not endorsed Trump. So if I have not endorsed him, then that leaves everything up in the air," says Ohio Gov. John Kasich.

Public Square, Cleveland, Ohio Republican National Convention
The newly renovated Public Square was a gathering spot and staging area for protests during the RNC. | Photo: Rick Uldricks

WATCH: Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams on the RNC: 'Business as Usual in an Unusual Manner'
Cleveland Police Chief Williams spoke at the U.S. Secret Service press conference at the new Multi-Agency Communications Center (MACC).

Cleveland Police on bikes
The Cleveland Police used bikes effectively for security during the RNC. | Photo: Rick Uldricks
Copwatch at the RNC
Police and safety forces came to Cleveland from all over the country for the RNC. | Photo: Rick Uldricks

Best Jokes About Melania Trump's Plagiarized RNC Speech
Her gaffe was the biggest story from night one of the Republican National Convention

RNC Photo and Video Gallery: God, Guns and Protesters in Cleveland
The Republican National Convention has been a feast for the eyes.

E. 4th Street, Cleveland RNC
E. 4th Street during the RNC | Photo: Rick Uldricks

Republican Convention: 'No Time for Losers' | Chris Christie's Anti-Christie | Benghazi Tears and Fury

#RNCinCLE Blog Day 1: Melania Trump speaks to the party | 'Dump Trump' floor fight | Cleveland activist arrested

Republican Convention: Roger Ailes-Fox News Breakup | A Baldwin for Trump | 'Last Chance' Cowboy
#RNCinCLE Blog, Day 2: Activist Cornel West on the outside supporting protesters | California delegation hit with norovirus, diarrhea

Republican Convention: Ted Cruz: 'Vote Your Conscience' | 2 Cops Hurt in Flag Burning; 17 Arrests | Speechwriter Confesses
#RNCinCLE Blog, Day 3: $8,000 for "escort" services rendered | Trump makes entrance fit for a king | VP nominee Mike Pence speaks tonight

Day 4 of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland
Day 4 of the RNC was hottest, especially on Cleveland's Public Square. | Photo: Rick Uldricks

RNC Day 4 Photo and Video Gallery: Heat, Protests and Prayers on Public Square, Trump's Acceptance Speech and Balloons
The final day of the Republican National Convention did not disappoint.

No Mistakes Here: Cleveland Rocks the GOP Convention with Peace and, Dare We Say, Love
There was very little trouble during Republican Convention week in the streets of a "great Midwestern city" run by Democrats.

Day 4 Republican Convention Coverage

Day 3 Coverage

Day 2 Coverage

Day 1 Coverage

Photos by Rick Uldricks/Patch

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