Summary of Developments:
- Trump adopts a softer tone at the start of his convention speech
- Transitions to familiar criticisms of the Biden administration
- Delivers the longest acceptance speech in US convention history
- Top Democrats pressuring Biden to withdraw from the 2024 race
MILWAUKEE – Donald Trump recounted a narrow escape from an assassination attempt during his speech at the Republican National Convention on Thursday. This marked his first public address since the incident, where he claimed he survived “by the grace of Almighty God.”
“I heard a loud whizzing sound and felt something hit me really, really hard on my right ear,” Trump described, sporting a thick bandage. “I said to myself, ‘Wow, what was that? It can only be a bullet.'” The Milwaukee crowd responded with chants of “Yes you are!” when Trump remarked that he was “not supposed to be here.” He praised the Secret Service agents and paid tribute to the volunteer firefighter, Corey Comperatore, who was killed in the incident, kissing his fire helmet.
In an unusually conciliatory opening, Trump formally accepted the Republican presidential nomination for the November 5 election, expressing a desire to be a president for all Americans. “I am running to be president for all of America, not half of America, because there is no victory in winning for half of America,” he said, a notable shift from his typically combative tone.
However, Trump soon reverted to his familiar rhetoric, attacking the Biden administration, claiming without evidence that his indictments were a Democratic conspiracy, and predicting dire consequences under Biden’s leadership. He described an “invasion” of migrants at the southern border and repeated his baseless claim that the 2020 election was stolen.
Trump’s speech, spanning over 90 minutes, became the longest convention address in US history, surpassing his own record from 2016. Despite initially calling for unity, he quickly returned to his usual themes of grievance and bombast, asserting that only he could save the country from impending doom. “I could stop wars with a telephone call,” he claimed.
The convention, marked by Trump’s strong influence over the Republican Party, featured a lineup of speakers reflecting his background as a reality TV star. Personalities like Dana White, Kid Rock, and Hulk Hogan energized the crowd, with Hogan dramatically tearing his shirt to reveal a Trump campaign tee.
Trump’s grand entrance, with lights spelling out his name and a projection of the White House, set the stage for his lengthy address. After concluding, he was joined on stage by his family and that of his running mate, Senator J.D. Vance. His wife, Melania Trump, made a rare appearance, her first at the convention.
Vance, considered a key figure in Trump’s movement, was praised by Trump. “J.D., you’re gonna be doing this for a long time,” Trump said. “Enjoy the ride.”
Some speakers, including Tucker Carlson and Trump’s son Eric, used divisive language against the Biden administration. Trump’s Florida golf club head pro, John Nieporte, boasted about Trump’s golfing prowess, contrasting it with Biden’s.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden, isolating at home due to COVID-19, faces increasing pressure from top Democrats to exit the race following a poor debate performance. Senior party figures, including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, have urged Biden to step down, citing concerns over his electability. Biden, now seriously considering these calls, could potentially step aside soon, as multiple sources suggest.
Senator Jon Tester of Montana, facing a tough reelection, became the latest Democrat to publicly urge Biden to withdraw, reflecting growing discontent within the party.
