Gathering of Ohio RNC delegates notable for what was unspoken

CLEVELAND

Not only was there no mention of Donald Trump’s name by the speakers – or anyone, for that matter – at Monday’s breakfast for Ohio’s delegates and alternates to the Republican National Convention, but a countervailing argument to Trump’s “Make America Great Again” was served with passion.

The argument was offered by the Australian ambassador to the United States, Joe Hockey, who didn’t mince words when he said, “America was great. America is great.”

“It is the greatest Democracy, greatest economy, greatest military,” said Hockey, whose appearance was arranged by Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel. Mandel served as master of ceremonies for the breakfast.

Hockey, a former treasurer of Australia, took up his post in Washington in January.

“I want you to believe in yourself,” the ambassador told the gathering – in sharp contrast to Trump’s the-sky-is-falling shtick that resonated with more than 14 million voters in the Republican presidential primaries and caucuses.

The New York City billionaire businessman, who defied all odds in laying waste to the 16 other candidates, has more than the needed number of delegates to receive the nomination.

KASICH ABSENT

The soon-to-be GOP standard-bearer has wasted no time in putting his world-famous label “Trump” on the event. There’s a huge “Make America Great Again” streamer serving as a backdrop to the stage, and the list of speakers is mostly a “Who’s Who” of Trump supporters.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Speaker of House Paul Ryan of Wisconsin are the most-prominent Republican officeholders who will address the huge gathering. In discussing the lineup, however, Trump largely has ignored them, choosing instead to focus on the five members of his family, including his wife, Melania, who was at the lectern Monday.

But there is one person who will be notable by his absence: Ohio Gov. John R. Kasich. (The parallels between what Kasich has said and Ambassador Hockey’s message is palpable.)

It has been a tradition for the governor of the state hosting his party’s convention to welcome the throngs.

Indeed, Kasich, who has been in Cleveland since Sunday, has said he will be leaving Thursday morning. In other words he isn’t sticking around to witness the coronation.

Kasich, who ran for the Republican nomination for president but was able only to win Ohio, has refused to endorse Trump.

He has publicly distanced himself from the real-estate tycoon’s personal attacks on his foes, has lambasted him for saying he would deport 11 million illegal immigrants, has disagreed with his proposal to ban Muslims from entering the country, and has castigated him for his position on global trade.

TRADE VALUED

In fact, the Australian ambassador made it a point to stress the close relationship between his country and the United States, and went so far as to detail Woodrow Wilson’s 14-point plan unveiled in 1918 for America’s involvement around the world.

Two of key provisions in the plan were freedom of navigation and freedom to trade around the world.

America’s interaction with other nations, especially those that share its values, has proved to be the foundation upon which democracy and economic wealth are built.

Trump, on the other hand, has pledged that as president he will set aside all the trade agreements signed by the U.S. and demand better terms from its trading partners.

The governor, who has long touted Ohio’s high ranking among states when it comes to global trade, has rejected the presumptive presidential nominee’s protectionist attitude.

As Ambassador Hockey told the gathering of Ohio delegates and alternates, the Buckeye State exports food products and other goods to Australia.

UNSPOKEN TRUTHS

The failure of any of the six speakers to mention the name “Donald Trump” was not lost on the large contingent of reporters.

The possible explanation may have to do with the fact that all 66 Ohio delegates to the Republican National Convention are pledged to Kasich because he won the state.

And given that they are die-hard supporters of the governor, they may not want to display any disloyalty.

This afternoon, Kasich will be the guest of honor at a celebration at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. The event is sold out.

But after today, the opinions of Republican insiders with regard to Trump won’t matter a bit. As the billionaire has said on numerous occasions, he won a majority of the primaries and caucuses without the backing of the GOP establishment.

Thus, he isn’t beholden to them.

They can either join the Trump Republican Party, or they can stand on the sidelines.

Self-preservation dictates that they’ll worship at the altar to Trump.