The many outfits, opinions of RNC convention attendees

MILWAUKEE — Republican delegates gathered here this week have planned their outfits for each night of the Republican National Convention months in advance. It is a moment to express their patriotism, their creativity and their unshakable loyalty to Donald Trump.

The convention this year has been a sea of red, white and blue sequin jackets, twinkling USA tiaras and American flag pants. This is a place where wearing your “I’m supporting a felon” T-shirt earns squeals of approval and warm hugs rather than the cold stares some of these delegates get at home. There are attendees on the convention floor who have pictures of Jan. 6 protesters on their hats and beaded earrings showing Trump’s famous coif in silhouette. There are MAGA ballgowns, ear bandages and red cowboy hats festooned with rhinestone Trump 47 pins.

It is hard to remember another presidential candidate with a more devoted following than Trump. And many delegates in Milwaukee are wearing their love for the former president quite literally on their sleeves. Here is our RNC convention campaign fashion report through portraits by photographer Sara Stathas.

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“The gun went off and Trump wanted to stay onstage, it gave him more energy if anything. These indictments and all this stuff is just biting them in the a-- and creating more of a base for Trump,” said rapper Forgiato Blow.

Tammy Nichols, a delegate from Middleton, Idaho, attends her first RNC convention and had a gown custom made for the occasion. She spoke to The Washington Post about the enthusiasm surrounding Trump at the convention.

“I feel like this convention is going to save America. The patriots and superheroes are gathering here today, kind of like a Marvel convention,” said P. Rae Easley, an attendee from Chicago.

“I’ve been with the Trump campaign from Day 1, and I’ve been to 79 rallies. I’m known for wearing a green hat in the front of his rallies, but I put it aside for this gold one because it represents the sunrise on the horizon and the dawning of a new day for the Republican Party. And this groovy shirt with cartoons of Trump surfing was given to me by my sister as a Christmas gift,” said Edward X. Young, an attendee from Brick, N.J.

“I’ve never really visited Milwaukee, and they are going over the top at how they’re treating all of us, they’re open arms with the red carpet, and all the flags and the fireworks. I wish all of America could experience it,” said Shannon McKinney and Lawrence Schneider, delegates from La Crosse, Wis.

“I’m enjoying hanging around other people who have similar freedom and family values that I have,” said Sara Brady, an attendee from Boise, Idaho, who has a different custom dress for each day of the convention.

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Carrie Moore, an alternate delegate from Corpus Christi, Tex., attends her first RNC convention. “It’s really nice that at events like this we can all relax and not have to fear attacks on us, like on our Moms for Liberty stuff. It’s a very positive event, and we get to change people’s minds about what Republicans really look and act like. We’re not hate-filled crazy monsters.”

“The energy is very good, I think people are excited about the VP pick. But it’s almost like there’s an air of providence that Trump was spared on Saturday — it was the hand of God at work … you’re hearing a lot of that,” said Larry Staub, a delegate from Rochester, N.Y.

Gina Brown, an alternate delegate from Morgantown, W.Va., attends her second RNC convention.

“On Saturday things were really somber, but there was no way I was going to miss out on attending this convention. Today has really been jovial and exciting,” said Rosalie Escobedo, a delegate from Euless, Tex., with her sister, Joanna.

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“I’m feeling very united as a Republican, and I’m happy to be part of history,” said Lonny Leitner, an alternate delegate from St. Paul, Minn.

“This convention is probably the most important in my lifetime. I’m a member of Log Cabin Republicans, a national gay and lesbian Republican group. There is no more anti-gay language in our [Republican] platform, which Trump helped us accomplish, and is a huge win for us. So it’s extremely important that we get him elected,” said Paul Ramirez, an alternate delegate from Los Angeles.

“There’s a lot more energy at this time around than any of the other ones I’ve been to,” said Kevin Fulton, a delegate from Houston.

Jennifer McGrath, an alternate delegate from Las Vegas, attends her first RNC convention. “The convention is really exciting, especially after the attempted assassination. We’re all really grateful to be here,” said McGrath.

About this story

Photo editing by Natalia Jiménez and Christine T. Nguyen. Design and development by Madison Walls. Editing by Annah Aschbrenner. Production by Kaitlyn Dolan.

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