Like the great Ronald Reagan before him, Donald Trump appears to possess superb Hollywood instincts.
With his understanding of how politics and entertainment are a perfect match, Trump has systematically rewritten every campaign playbook out there. Now the GOP presidential nominee is set to host a party that is likely to forever alter political conventions to come.
A hint that the public is in store for something really different begins with the convention’s line-up of speakers.
Like a Barbara Walters’ “Most Fascinating People” special, the roster of those who will be gracing the Republican National Convention stage includes an eclectic mix of the political, the prosperous, and the popular.
As is the case with Trump events, though, spontaneous changes are likely to occur, and surprise guests may suddenly emerge.
It turns out that the GOP event will have one of the most advanced stages ever put together. It features a 1,711-square-foot 10 million-pixel digital screen for multimedia use, which will sit center stage above presenters.
Twin white staircases lead up to the stage and speaker’s podium. The set will be lit up by 647 moving light fixtures that allow for the adjustment of lighting, which will affect color, tone, and atmosphere.
Media veteran Phil Alongi, is the convention’s executive producer. Alongi is a former producer for NBC News and the Discovery Channel. The Emmy Award winner is an expert on the production of major televised events having been involved with the Olympics, papal ceremonies, and 17 political conventions.
Alongi has an experienced team working with him. He recently remarked about participants at a team meeting, who, to their credit, collectively had 80 Emmy nominations, two Pulitzer Prizes, 20 Tony awards, an Edward R. Murrow award, and a Columbia DuPont award.
Each night of the convention is designed with a central theme in mind. The first evening has as its rallying call “Make America Safe Again.” One of the backdrops is the 2012 attack on the American diplomatic compound in Benghazi.
Among others, speakers include would-be First Lady Melania Trump, celebrities Scott Baio, Antonio Sabato Jr., and Willie Robertson, Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton, Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, private citizen Jamiel Shaw Sr., whose son was tragically killed by an illegal immigrant, and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
Night two has as its focus the economy and trade, with its predominant theme “Make America Work Again.”
Taking to the stage will be Trump’s daughter Tiffany and son Donald Jr., Ultimate Fighting Championship President Dana White, Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Speaker Paul Ryan, former Attorney General Michael Mukasey, and former GOP presidential candidates New Jersey Gov. Chris Cristie and Dr. Ben Carson.
The third evening places front and center the theme “Make America First Again.”
In addition to Trump’s son Eric addressing convention attendees and television viewers, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio (via video), first woman space shuttle mission commander Eileen Collins, and LPGA golfer Natalie Gulbis are slated to speak.
Ascending to the podium as the evening concludes will be Trump’s pick as his vice presidential running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence.
Evening four culminates in Trump’s formal nomination as the Republican Party’s standard bearer.
Speakers leading up to the prime moment include Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus, Tennessee Rep. Marsha Blackburn, Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin, Florida Gov. Rick Scott, Silicon Valley entrepreneur Peter Thiel, and Trump’s daughter Ivanka.
Then comes the acceptance speech from the man himself. All bets are that it will be a speech that lives up to his larger than life presence.
It may even be the catalyst that grows his fan base large enough for Trump to secure the ultimate role, that of Commander in Chief.
James Hirsen, J.D., M.A., in media psychology, is a New York Times best-selling author, media analyst, and law professor. Visit Newsmax TV Hollywood. Read more reports from James Hirsen — Click Here Now.