Here's what you may have missed during Day 2 of the RNC

With the Republican National Convention in full swing, we’re taking in some of the more peculiar, bizarre and troubling scenes from the GOP’s political carnival. 

During a key speech on Tuesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson made allusions to the Great Replacement Theory, which posits that Democrats are trying to displace the electorate with undocumented immigrants. 

“We cannot allow the many millions of illegal aliens they’ve allowed to cross our borders, to harm our citizens, raid our resources, or disrupt our elections. We will not allow it,” Johnson said. “My friends, we’re watching the principles of faith, family, and freedom that once defined our great nation now being trampled underfoot by the radical left.”

Since its rise as a popular talking point amongst fringe elements of the neo-fascist movement, the idea that migrants are being imported to replace the (white) electorate has since gone mainstream amongst more prominent, contemporary circles of American conservatism.  

Meanwhile, in light of President Trump’s assassination attempt last Saturday, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) blamed the press for an act of violence perpetrated by a lone gunman. Asked during an interaction with a journalist at the RNC if she condoned racist comments by vice-presidential candidate JD Vance, Greene went on a tirade. 

“Well, let’s talk about the words of the Democrats and Joe Biden that have also labeled President Trump as a fascist, labeled all of us as Nazis and Hitler,” Greene said. 

Greene then pointed her finger at the press: “I have some of the most highest amount of death threats because of people like you,” Greene added. “Because you choose to take only certain words from people, and then that’s what you report. Shame on you.”

“You’re ridiculous. And you’re the problem in our country,” she concluded. “You’re the cause of our country being divided. You’re the cause of President Trump almost being assassinated.”

 On a “lighter” note, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis had an amusing gaffe during his speech.

Both DeSantis and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley spoke last night. Their appearances received a mixed reception, as they were once Trump's rivals. Desanits and Haley have since bent the knee to the former president following their disastrous primary performances.

So despite the long list of unpopular perspectives and alienating moments from the MAGA coalition, the party has completely consolidated itself around Trump. The question will then be how the GOP manages to attract low-engagement voters, independents and moderate Republicans who may have voted for Biden in 2020. However, despite this clear strategic path forward, nothing about the RNC has really screamed “We are a normal political party.” 

That demonstration may very well fall on Trump, who is expected to make his first public remarks following his assassination attempt.