Leaders of the Republican National Committee on Thursday unveiled the logo for the 2020 Republican National Convention, which will be held in Charlotte next August.
But overshawdowing the unveiling was the Charlotte City Council’s vote nearly two weeks ago rebuking President Trump for what it said was “racist language” and the council's discussion of not hosting the Republicans.
Ronna McDaniel, the chair of the Republican National Committee, praised Charlotte during the logo unveiling.
She thanked city leaders for agreeing to host the RNC – although none were there.
"And Mayor Vi Lyles," McDaniel said. "And the entire leadership of the city of Charlotte, and the people of Charlotte who have been so welcoming. This really will be an opportunity to shine a light on this city that is growing at such a rapid pace."
But less then two weeks ago, the City Council voted 9-2 to condemn President Trump for what it said was his use of “racist language” in attacking four Democratic Congresswomen, and for the chant of "Send Her Back!" at his Greenville rally. Council members also discussed in closed session whether the city could pull out of its contract with the RNC and not host the convention.
The city attorney told them the RNC would have likely filed a lawsuit against the city, and would have forced Charlotte to host anyway.
McDaniel left the unveiling at the Spectrum Center without speaking to reporters, as did Marcia Lee Kelly, who is director of operations for the convention.
RNC committee member Toni Anne Dashiell – one of the convention organizers – would not discuss the City Council’s condemnation of the president.
She was asked whether the GOP ever considered moving the convention after the council's actions.
She said no.
"You guys, this is all about the unveiling of the logo, and let’s stay focused on that," Dashiell said. "So thank you."
Ron Kaufman, who led the RNC’s site selection committee last year when Charlotte was picked, did address the controversy.
"I think it’s understandable, this is a very politically charged time, but in the end, this is about the city of Charlotte becoming a world class city. Which it is," Kaufman said.
The logo shows the city of Charlotte’s crown logo in blue, with a red elephant walking in front of it.
The national committee is meeting for three days at the Westin.
