Republican National Convention: Essex Porter's Day One notebook

Editor's note: Essex Porter has more than 30 years of political reporting experience at KIRO 7 and will be reporting live from the Republican National Convention from July 18-21^st and from the and Democratic National Convention July 25th- 28th. Each day on kiro7.com, Essex will have insider information and personal perspectives. He’ll be live during KIRO 7 News from 5-6:30.

Dear KIRO 7 Viewer,

It’s Day One of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland and I am covering the action with KIRO-7 Anchor Dave Wagner.

We got a great welcome at the Cleveland airport. Wonderful music by a young jazz band.

We’re staying at the same hotel as the Washington State Republican Delegation. They’ll have a group breakfast each morning. There were tears during the invocation as the police officers killed in Baton Rouge and Dallas were remembered.

Today we were in the convention hall with the Washington Delegation. The session began with a fight over the rules. Delegates bound to Donald Trump wanted to vote their conscience instead. The vast majority of Washington’s Delegates supported Ted Cruz, but the results of the state presidential primary bound them to Donald Trump. The odds against the #NeverTrump faction were high. One leader chuckled when I called it “the rebellion” and said it is not over yet.

Tonight is "Make America Safe" night at the convention. Follow this link to see the exclusive KIRO 7 Campaign Poll on how Western Washington Voters feel about Donald Trump's plans for national security and fighting terrorism. There are also local numbers on Trump vs. Clinton.

Finally, I’ve never seen a drive-thru Dunkin and Baskin before. There’s one next to our hotel. Sadly, no room service.

Blessed to be working with a great crew here in Cleveland: Dave Wagner with photographers Bill Skok and Jon Jussero

Sincerely,

Essex Porter

Cox Media Group