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Not Donald J. Trump. His experience with death last Saturday has changed him. Walking into FinServ Forum on Monday night, the first day of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, the former president was visibly moved by the cheers of the crowd and on the verge of tears. Listening to his granddaughter Kai speak on Wednesday, he beamed and was clearly proud that this beautiful young woman had asked him if she could tell him the truth about her grandfather, what a caring and giving man he was, and how much she loved him.
And on Thursday, the final night of the convention, Trump was laughing like a child while Hulk Hogan yelled threats at him and while his young granddaughter sat on his lap. This was a Donald Trump we’d never seen before, his guard down, genuinely having fun, maybe even grateful to be alive.
This couldn’t be more important for candidate Trump, who after years of being vilified by the media and portrayed as a cartoonish, cruel villain, emerged from the Republican convention as, perhaps for the first time, a relatable human being.
Donald Trump formally accepts Republican presidential nomination, reflects on assassination attempt
At the end of four days of fun, heartfelt and sometimes moving rallies, Republican rally-goers came together to welcome their nominee, and now officially the candidate for president of the United States. Crowds enthusiastically welcomed the arrival of former First Lady Melania Trump, chanted “four more years” with Eric Trump, danced with Kid Rock, prayed with Franklin Graham and pumped fists with Hulk Hogan.
But the highlight of the night was finally hearing Donald Trump speak, after he thanked God for saving him from a near-death attack just days earlier by a young man with a rifle. Hours after the shooting, Trump scrapped a “very tough” speech he had planned to give, saying he would instead speak to Americans about the importance of uniting the country.
At first, yes. His first prepared remarks were perfect for the moment: He spoke about his experience at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where he was nearly assassinated, and he called for a moment of silence for Corey Comperatore, a volunteer fire chief who was tragically killed while trying to shield his family from a bullet.
Trump’s unprecedented move at the Republican National Convention may have signaled the end of the election
He brought what he called “a message of confidence, strength and hope,” promising the crowd that “four months from now, we will have won an incredible victory and will begin the greatest four years in the history of our nation.”
Moreover, he told his Republican colleagues, “I’m running for president not for half of America, but for all of America, because winning for half of America is not a victory.” With the country hopelessly divided and the nation’s political rhetoric dangerously heated, it’s the message voters want to hear. It was the same four years ago, when Joe Biden promised to bring the country together. His failure to deliver on that promise makes Trump’s vow all the more meaningful.
Trump promised to revive the American Dream and bring back common sense. On his first day in office, he vowed to restore energy independence and secure our borders. He declared he would stop promoting electric vehicles and accused UAW leaders of adopting policies that could harm workers. He promised a prosperous middle class and spoke of the future with enthusiasm and optimism.
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But, as per usual, he went way beyond what was said on the teleprompter. As one joker tweeted, “Trump got it wrong when they said ‘4 more years.'”
He couldn’t resist. In addition to boasting about his many accomplishments as president, he attacked the current “administration’s” numerous failures and general incompetence. Though he vowed not to mention the current president by name, he once gaffed that the damage Joe Biden had caused was “inconceivable.” He talked too much, he kept repeating the same issues, and his message of “unity” was left hanging.
My view is that he should have done whatever he wanted. This was his moment and his prerogative. Donald Trump has been through a lot over the past few years: a Russian-financed hoax, impeachment, a fake legal war, indictments, and constant, relentless attacks from the establishment, the media, and political opponents. Who cares if he wanted to ramble on for another 20 minutes?
The convention audience didn’t mind. They were with him all the way, reminiscing and celebrating the times when he was in the Oval Office, when inflation was low, borders were secure, world peace was achieved, energy independence was achieved, and the economy was thriving.
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All in all, this was a historic Republican convention — inspiring, moving, and well-organized. The many speakers on the Republican side showed the depth of talent the party has to offer. Ordinary Americans told their life stories, tragedies and triumphs, inspiring all who heard them.
If the election campaign is run as wisely as the convention, Donald Trump could very well become the next president.
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