In the room where it happens …

I’m spending the next two weeks in Cleveland, Ohio – literally, in the room where American presidential politics will be happening during the Republican National Convention. What a treat for a political junkie like me!

But I’m also a political science professor at Arizona Christian University, with expertise in American political thought – especially the American Revolutionary era. For years I’ve taught courses in American government and politics. I’ll teach a course in Campaigns and Elections this fall. As a scholar and academic, I can’t wait to see it all unfold from the inside.

On the eve of the Platform Committee meetings (I’m a guest, not a delegate), I’m glad I’m not a betting woman. Throughout the primary season I often was asked who I thought would be the Republican nominee. During the rise of Bernie Sanders, did I think he would beat Hilary Clinton? Just when I thought I had figured it out, the unexpected and unconventional would happen. Now Donald Trump is the likely GOP nominee–very few saw it coming. And though Sanders eventually “Berned” out after giving Hilary a scary challenge, no one took the avowed Socialist seriously when it all started. This has been the most unusual, unpredictable political season in my lifetime – maybe in all of American history. My prediction for the next two weeks? More of the same – unconventional political twists and turns. But I wouldn’t put any money on it.

Tomorrow, the fun begins!