After successful RNC, questions about party unity linger

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Donald Trump is basking in the afterglow of a Republican convention that turned out to be less volatile on the outside than many anticipated. Friday he spoke about his optimism for the campaign ahead as questions about the party's unity behind him as nominee failed to be quashed by the four days in Cleveland.

Massive protests failed to materialize on the streets of Cleveland but there were fireworks inside Quicken Loans Arena during Donald Trump's impassioned 76-minute acceptance speech as Republican nominee.

In an energetic takedown of democratic opponent Hillary Clinton, and the fear for this crowd that her election would mark Obama administration continuity, the GOP nominee promised law and order, jobs and tough immigration reform -- an "America first" presidency.

"Thank you very much. We had an amazing convention. That was one of the best. I think that was one of the best ever. In terms of enthusiasm, in terms of i think what it represents, getting our word out," Trump said.

Friday morning he spoke with his running mate Indiana Governor Mike Pence by his side.

"This was probably one of the most peaceful, one of the most beautiful, one of the most love-filled conventions in the history of conventions," he said.

But many Republicans remain unconvinced. The last two GOP presidents and nominees were no shows, along with Illinois Senator Mark Kirk. Eyewitness News political reporter Charles Thomas asked him Friday about Trump's speech

"When I am talking to many republicans they were pretty jazzed up by it," Kirk told Thomas, but when asked if he, personally, was jazzed up, he replied, "Uh, I am not a supporter."

Trump said he didn't mean to make his speech long, but "what happened is the applause was so long and so crazy."