Convention empties after Melania Trump speech

Attendees bolted for the exits after Melania Trump’s much-anticipated speech on Monday, the opening night of the Republican National Convention, even though a handful of high-profile speakers had yet to hit the stage.

Retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn — reportedly a potential vice presidential pick — followed the possible future first lady. The crowd packed up and promptly began exiting the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.

The crowd continues to leave the arena as Sen. Ernst speaks. pic.twitter.com/DkZZGnQ9xT

— Robert Costa (@costareports) July 19, 2016

{mosads}The late hour might have contributed to the exodus. Flynn didn’t finish his speech until after 11 p.m. — with three other speakers still on tap.

Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.), who were supposed to close out the night, ended up taking the stage at the same time to address a sparse crowd that had long since lost interest.

Presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump’s vice presidential pick, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, left before Ernst took the stage. So did former GOP presidential candidate Bob Dole.

Ernst is one of the Republican Party’s rising stars. Her attendance was important for Trump, who has had a hard time attracting top conservative talent to the convention.

She powered through a speech as the few remaining attendees chatted among themselves.