Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump enters the stage to introduce his wife Melania on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. An estimated 50,000 people are expected in Cleveland, including hundreds of protesters and members of the media. The four-day Republican National Convention kicks off on July 18.
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Donald Trump hits RNC stage, crowd goes wild
00:54 - Source: CNN

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Trump's campaign chair said the split-screen effect was worth it

The the candidate's simultaneous appearance drew away attention for an emotionally-charged convention speech

Washington CNN  — 

Donald Trump called in and pre-empted Fox News’ Republican National Convention coverage while two Benghazi attack survivors were on stage, because “it was important to do,” his campaign chairman said Tuesday.

“Mr. Trump felt it was important to do, so he did it,” Paul Manafort told CNN’s Chris Cuomo on “New Day.”

Trump phoned into the network Monday night, interrupting the network’s coverage of the first convention night. Two survivors of the Benghazi attack – Mark Geist and John Tiegen – were recounting their experience while Fox News aired Trump badmouthing Ohio Gov. John Kasich for his decision not to attend the convention.

RELATED: On Fox News, Trump pre-empts Benghazi speeches

The Benghazi attacks were a key theme of the convention’s opening night, which focused on national security.

And although Manafort said he did not know that Trump was planning to do an interview, the candidate decided to go forward after being “moved” by the speech of Patricia Smith, mother of Benghazi victim Sean Smith.

Pat Smith, mother of Sean Smith, one of the four Americans killed in the September 11, 2012 terror attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, delivers a speech on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Pat Smith, mother of Sean Smith, one of the four Americans killed in the September 11, 2012 terror attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, delivers a speech on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Jeff Swensen/Getty Images

“I mean he was moved by her speech, too. Last night was a very emotional night,” Manafort said.

“How was he moved by it when he was on T.V. at the same time she was giving it,” Cuomo asked.

Benghazi victim’s mother: ‘Hillary for prison’

“He had the TV on and he was watching it,” Manafort responded.

Trump discussed the Kasich situation because he wanted to take his message beyond the convention, Manafort said.

“We were not just preaching to the converted last night. We were talking to America, American voters throughout the country,” he said. “Many of whom were listening in to understand many of the themes we’re going to be talking about during this election. They heard a very clear message.”