The Tuesday night edition of the Republican National Convention didn’t yield any enormous speech scandals (although Donald Trump Jr. skirted the line), but there was still fire to be found. The evening’s speakers didn’t concentrate much on the Republican nominee. Instead, they zeroed in on GOP enemy number one, Hillary Clinton. Former Trump rival-turned-errand-boy Chris Christie put her on “trial,” and Ben Carson went off the rails with more energy than he ever displayed on the campaign trail. The neurosurgeon brought Lucifer references to the table while telling the nation why Clinton would be a terrible leader for the country.
These tactics were to be expected, and Clinton prepared internet armor for the evening’s attacks. Actually, these tweets likely came from interns, but they’re still part of a campaign strategy. Clinton began in a tame manner with a light remark about Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan.
If Donald Trump wants to make America great again, he should start by actually making things in America.https://t.co/kKeJadUVce
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) July 20, 2016
Then she struck him where it hurts most — in the business prowess department.
This small business owner sold Donald Trump pianos for his Atlantic City casino.
Trump stiffed him for the payment. https://t.co/i51CBQ9lKM
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) July 20, 2016
Lots of talk of "talent and drive" about someone who repeatedly drives his businesses into the ground. #RNCinCLE https://t.co/ZpbJL2BgXv
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) July 20, 2016
Team Clinton then reacts to Christie putting her on blast by questioning his own ethics and actions as the New Jersey governor. In doing so, she invoked the George Washington Bridge lane-closure scandal. Bridgegate!
If you think Chris Christie can lecture anyone on ethics, we have a bridge to sell you. https://t.co/c1nkZojJFL #RNCinCLE
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) July 20, 2016
Finally, Clinton did not hesitate to remind the world that Carson, who once vowed to place his healing hands on the presidency, that his convention speech was “not brain surgery.”
It's not brain surgery: Republicans tend to be a bit more truth-y when the presidency isn't on the line. #RNCinCLE pic.twitter.com/LX3y5Iq7p7
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) July 20, 2016
What will the next two evenings hold for Clinton’s response strategy? Get your popcorn ready for more jokes and memes.