Donald Trump, still visibly shaken from the recent assassination attempt, accepted the GOP presidential nomination at the Republican National Convention on July 18, delivering a speech that largely steered clear of his most divisive policies and instead emphasised unity and national healing.
The 78-year-old former president’s speech capped a week of high drama at the convention, which was marked by concerns over security after a would-be assassin opened fire on Rep. Lee Zeldin, R-N.Y., in an attack that had no apparent political motivation.
“The discord and division in our society must be healed. We just heal it quickly. As Americans, we are bound together by a single fate and a shared destiny. We rise together. Or we fall apart,” Trump said. “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.”
Trump shifts tone at GOP convention’s end
In his speech, Trump did not directly mention his Democratic rivals, President Joe Biden or Vice President Kamala Harris, only referring generally to their administration. He also avoided talking about his more controversial plans and favourite topics, including the 2020 election, the “deep state,” the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, and his plans to deport millions of illegal immigrants.
Trump’s speech marked the end of a massive four-day Republican rally that drew thousands of conservative activists and elected officials to swing-state Wisconsin. As voters consider an election with two unpopular candidates, Trump sensed an opportunity after his near-death experience. The often bombastic Republican leader adopted a new tone he hopes will generate more momentum in an election that appears to be shifting in his favour.
However, with less than four months to go, major changes in the race are possible, if not likely.
Trump’s appearance comes as 81-year-old Democrat Biden clings to his party’s nomination amid pressure from key congressional allies, donors, and even former President Barack Obama, who fear he may be unable to win re-election after his disastrous debate performance.
Biden’s Isolation following COVID-19 diagnosis
Under pressure from allies to intensify his campaign efforts, Biden is instead isolating at his beach home in Delaware following a COVID-19 diagnosis. In contrast, Trump adopted a more conciliatory tone on Thursday night, while the convention’s final day featured a packed speaking lineup aimed at showcasing strength, subtly challenging Biden. The atmosphere was markedly more masculine compared to earlier in the week.
Dana White, President of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, lauded Trump as “a real American badass.” Kid Rock performed a song with the chorus, “Fight, fight!” and wrestling icon Hulk Hogan hailed the former president as “an American hero.”
Hogan ignited the crowd when, on the main stage, he tore off his shirt to reveal a red Trump-Vance “Make America Great Again” shirt. “As an entertainer, I try to stay out of politics,” Hogan remarked, momentarily stepping out of character. “ I can no longer stay silent.”
Many speakers at the convention, including Carlson, hinted at a divine influence behind recent events and speculated, “if something bigger is going on.””I think it changed him,”Carlson said about the shooting incident, commending Trump for his restraint afterward, adding that “He did his best to bring the country together.”