Plagiarism? Concerns raised over Melania Trump's speech to Republican National Convention
MILWAUKEE -- Donald Trump's wife, Melania, is under fire following her speech at the Republican National Convention on Monday evening, July 18th. The issue has exploded on social media -- as some say portions of Melania Trump's speech were plagiarized.
As polarizing as these political times are, it appears Democrats and Republicans at least agree on one thing -- Michelle Obama's 2008 Democratic National Convention speech was good enough to bear repeating.
"You work hard for what you want in life, that your word is your bond, that you do what you say you're going to do," Michelle Obama said in 2008.
"You work hard for what you want in life, that your word is your bond and you do what you say and keep your promise," Melania Trump said Monday night.
Melania Trump was supposed to be the big headliner for the opening day of the Republican National Convention. But shortly after she left the stage, the rumors started to fly.
Melania Trump speaks at the Republican National Convention on Monday, July 18, 2016.
"Clearly that's plagiarism," said Brian Fraley with Edge Messaging. "How that happens at a county fair, I don't understand. How that happens on the most-televised four days of a presidential campaign at a national convention is inexcusable."
The result may be that Melania Trump's big debut may prove to have been a singular event.
"This is an indication that this doesn't play to her strengths," said Mordecai Lee, UWM professor of urban planning. "I suspect that this means she's not going to be a factor in the campaign; she's not going to go out campaigning in the way that for example, Michelle Obama would go out campaigning on her own, giving press conferences, meeting with people."
As for the impact this speech will have...it might prompt some Republicans to not vote for Trump -- or push undecided voters toward another candidate. Lee said it is hard to predict what the fallout will be -- if there is any at all.
Melania Trump speaks at the Republican National Convention on Monday, July 18, 2016.