The Cleveland lineup does feature at least one registered Democrat: David Clarke, the Milwaukee County sheriff who has emerged as a critic of the Black Lives Matter movement. In a teleconference with reporters on the opening day of the Republican convention, Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz said she was not surprised to see Mr. Clarke’s name on the list.
“This is an individual who is fairly unhinged in his philosophical outlook and also has no credibility,” the Florida Democrat said. “So, it’s not surprising that that’s someone who the Republicans would put on their stage.”
Rep. Ruben Gallego, Arizona Democrat, chimed in that the Republicans who registered as no-shows this week reveal the party’s true feelings toward Donald Trump.
“What’s not here is the full story,” Mr. Gallego said. “Some of the most prominent politicians at the state and federal levels are missing from Cleveland. It really tells you what many of these politicians are thinking about Trump. They’re thinking it was going to cost them more than help them.”
On the press call Monday morning organized by Hillary for America, the two Democrats voiced their concerns about the presumptive GOP candidate. Ms. Wasserman Schultz said Mr. Trump’s “reckless” policies on the Middle East and Muslims would play directly into what the Islamic State leaders want.
Ms. Wasserman Schultz also fired shots at Mr. Trump’s running partner, calling Indiana Gov. Mike Pence is “as extreme as they come.”
The chairwoman said that the DNC will use the Republican Convention as a “great recruiting tool,” as they hold a counter-conference in Cleveland all week long.
“We want to make sure Americans know the real Donald Trump,” she said. “And we want to ensure that Donald Trump and Mike Pence never get anywhere near the White House.”
• David R. Sands can be reached at dsands@washingtontimes.com.
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