Asian Pacific Americans form for Trump

Lisa Shin of New Mexico spoke at the Republican National Convention

By Louis Chan
REPRINTED FROM ASAM NEWS

MONDAY MORNING prior to the presidential debate between Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and Republican candidate Donald Trump, the GOP announced the formation of an Asian Pacific American Advisory Committee.

The move is part of Trump’s new found outreach to various minority communities. Analysts say it's just as much of an effort to bring White moderate voters into his campaign as to attract voters of color.

Trump has been working hard to soften his image in the general election after appealing to the Tea Party and those on the extreme right in the Republican primaries.

Many from both the moderate and conservative voting population have been turned off by what they consider extreme rhetoric coming from Trump.

Hillary Clinton established her AAPI committee early in the primary season, so the Trump campaign has a lot of ground to make up.

“The Trump/Pence ticket will bring meaningful change to Washington,” said Lisa Shin who was a Trump delegate from New Mexico during the Republican convention. “No longer will DC bureaucrats decide what’s best for Asian American and Pacific Islander families. Supporting Mr. Trump and Governor Pence will allow AAPIs to truly have a voice in how we want to educate our families and raise our children.”

Governors Eddie Calvo and Ralph Torres of Guam and Northern Mariana Islands (NMI) respectively, will serve as the Council’s Co-Chairs.

“Mr. Trump’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Advisory Committee is a great addition to the vibrancy of his campaign,” said Brunswick, Ohio Mayor Ron Falconi. “His ability to connect with everyday Americans is a testament of his character, and what he wants to do to bring America forward from the past 8 years.”

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GOP Convention: Diary of A Trump Delegate, Day 5, Her speech

Dr. Lisa Shinn's big day arrives at the Republican National Convention.

 By Lisa Shin
Reprinted from AsAm News

FINALLY, the day I had been waiting for, with both dread and anticipation. I had been reciting the words to myself, over and over again, but my big fear was being overcome by stage fright. Thankfully, there were rehearsal times that included practice with the teleprompter.

RELATED: Diary of a GOP Delegate, Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4

I got VIP service to and from the rehearsals, with check points by the Secret Service. I am so glad that I focused on the crowd before me. I delivered my speech differently than I had rehearsed it, due to the energy, passion, and participation of the people.

RELATED: GOP wants to highlight diversity of the party

Wow! It was a once-in-a-lifetime event.

(Shin is a delegate from New Mexico. She has been keeping a daily diary of her experience at the RNC for AsAm News.)

GOP Convention: Diary of a Trump Delegate, Day 4

By Lisa Shin
Reprinted from AsAm News

TODAY'S highlight was the RNC Convention Asian Pacific American National Forum. It was held at the Hard Rock Cafe and was an incredible time of fellowship and networking.

RELATED: Diary of a GOP Delegate, Day 1, Day 2, Day 3

Speakers included Reince Priebus, Elaine Chao, Michelle Steel, Alan Cobb, Sean Reyes, David Wang, Harmeet Dhillon, Helen Van Etten, Governor Eddie Calvo (Guam), and Mayor Ron Folconi. 

RELATED: Meet the first Asian/American speaker at the RNC

It was encouraging to see so many Asian American Republicans serving in or running for public office.

(Shin is a delegate from New Mexico. She is scheduled to speak before the entire convention on today, July 21.)

GOP Convention: Diary of A Trump Delegate, Day 3

Korean and Korean/American media interviewed Korean/American GOP delegates Lisa Shin and Michelle Park.

By Lisa Shin
Reprinted from AsAm News

TODAY I joined Michelle Park Steel, a Korean/American elected to the Orange County (California) Board of Supervisors, for an unexpected press conference with the Korean media. Michelle was poised and calm through it all, while I was flustered and overwhelmed

Like I posted yesterday, Koreans have taken a keen interest in me, and are astounded that I was chosen to speak at the Convention. There were several requests for more interviews. One reporter said he was proud of me, and was glad that Koreans would have a voice with Mr. Trump.

RELATED: Diary of a GOP Delegate, Day 1, Day 2

This is quite a remarkable turn of events. When my parents submitted news of my being a New Mexico delegate to a local Korean newspaper, they were told that it would violate IRS rules to publish it. Another Korean newspaper never responded to my requests for a paid advertisement.

RELATED: Meet the first Asian/American speaker at the RNC

The RNC roll call vote was exciting. A spokesperson from each state gave a short, but rousing speech. Donald Trump officially clinched the Republican nomination.

(Shin is a delegate from New Mexico. She is scheduled to speak before the entire convention on Thursday. She will be providing her thoughts and photos throughout the convention for AsAmNews.)

Lisa Shin, right, takes a break from the GOP Convention floor with another Trump supporter.

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GOP Convention: Diary of A Trump Delegate, Day 2

Arizona State Sen. Kimberly Yee spoke to the Republican delegates on the first day.

By Lisa Shin
Reprinted from AsAm News

ANOTHER GREAT DAY! It was amazing to walk into the Convention Center for the first time. I had seen it many times on television, but it was something else to be there live. Media were swarming the place and I had my first interview with a Korean newspaper. Koreans have taken a keen interest in my political involvement.

Kimberly Yee, an Arizona State Senator, was a speaker for the afternoon session. The evening session included a great panel of speakers.

My favorite was Rudy Guiliani, who said that “majority of Americans today do not feel safe. They fear for their children and they fear for themselves.” The theme of safety was timely, given the terrible shootings in Baton Rouge and Dallas.

Is this becoming the new norm? I hope not. I would really like to see a strong bipartisan effort to address the growing violence in our communities.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Shin is a delegate from New Mexico. She is scheduled to speak before the entire convention on Thursday. She will be providing her thoughts and photos throughout the convention for AsAmNews.)

GOP Convention: Diary of a Trump delegate, Day 1

By Lisa Shin
Reprinted from AsAm News

Sunday was my first day in Cleveland for the RNC Convention. There was a huge kick-off party tonight, at North Coast Harbor, which ended with a great fireworks display. Security is on everyone’s mind, but the RNC has assured delegates, that they are doing everything possible to keep us safe.

Asians here at the Convention represent a “minority within a minority,” but there was wonderful camaraderie and fellowship among us. I do think it’s really important for Asian Americans to be engaged in and participate in American democracy. It’s truly a privilege, and the way we can see positive changes for our community.

RELATED: GOP wants to highlight diversity of the party

Tian Wang, president of Chinese Americans for Trump, is also in Cleveland for the convention. Saying “pictures speak a thousand words,” he submitted the following photos below.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Lisa Shin is a delegate from New Mexico contributing to AsAm News.

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