MILWAUKEE (AP) — Former President Donald Trump, two days after surviving an attempted assassination, appeared triumphantly at the Republican National Convention’s opening night with a bandage over his right ear. The convention saw the dramatic announcement of Ohio Senator J.D. Vance as Trump’s vice presidential running mate, marking a significant moment in the 2024 election campaign.
Trump Triumphantly Returns to the Stage
Delegates cheered wildly as Trump appeared onscreen backstage and then emerged, visibly emotional, as Lee Greenwood sang “God Bless the USA.” Despite the fervent reception, Trump did not address the convention. His appearance came just hours after jubilant and emboldened delegates nominated the former president to lead their ticket for a third time and welcomed J.D. Vance as his running mate.
Call for Unity Amidst Political Tensions
“We must unite as a party, and we must unite as a nation,” said Republican Party Chairman Michael Whatley, Trump’s handpicked party leader, as he opened Monday’s primetime national convention session. “We must show the same strength and resilience as President Trump and lead this nation to a greater future.” However, Whatley and other Republican leaders made clear that their calls for harmony did not extend to President Joe Biden and the Democrats. “Their policies are a clear and present danger to America, to our institutions, our values, and our people,” said Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson.
The Impact of the Assassination Attempt
Saturday’s shooting at a Pennsylvania rally, where Trump was injured and one man died, was a significant event that lingered in delegates’ minds. The crowd chanted “fight, fight, fight” — echoing Trump’s words as the Secret Service escorted him off the stage during the incident. “We should all be thankful right now that we are able to cast our votes for President Donald J. Trump after what took place on Saturday,” said New Jersey state Senator Michael Testa.
Vance: The Surprise VP Pick
Trump’s selection of J.D. Vance, a protégé of tech billionaire Peter Thiel, was confirmed by sources close to the campaign. Vance’s appeal stems from his conservative values and his compelling personal story, as chronicled in his best-selling memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy.” His addition to the ticket is seen as a strategic move to energize the Republican base and appeal to working-class voters.
Convention’s Optimistic Message
The convention was designed to project a softer and more optimistic message, aiming to broaden Trump’s appeal among moderate voters and people of color. Speakers included “everyday Americans” discussing economic hardships and prominent Black Republicans advocating for Trump’s vision. U.S. Representative Wesley Hunt of Texas emphasized the impact of inflation on American families, quoting Ronald Reagan in calling it “the cruelest tax on the poor.”
Religious Imagery and Calls to Action
Multiple speakers invoked religious imagery in discussing Trump and the assassination attempt. “The devil came to Pennsylvania holding a rifle,” said Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina. “But an American lion got back up on his feet!” Wyoming delegate Sheryl Foland echoed the “fight” chant, viewing it as a call to action for the nation. “It’s bigger than Trump,” Foland said. “It’s a mantra for our country.”
Legal Victory Adds to Positive Mood
Adding to the convention’s buoyant mood, a federal judge dismissed the prosecution in Trump’s classified documents case due to concerns over the prosecutor’s appointment, handing Trump a significant legal victory.
Biden’s Response and Continued Campaign Attacks
Trump’s nomination came on the same day President Biden gave a national TV interview to address concerns about his capacity to serve another term. Biden called for reduced political rhetoric but maintained the need to draw contrasts with Trump. Inside the arena, Republicans continued their attacks on Biden, with videos mocking his physical stamina and mental acuity.
The convention’s events underscored the deep divisions and high stakes of the upcoming election, setting the stage for a contentious campaign season.
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