In 2016, the party rejected him. All things were virtual in 2020 due to COVID-19.
On the other hand, Donald Trump was greeted with an ecstatic hero’s welcome on Monday night, the first night of the Republican National Convention, just two days after an almost fatal assassination attempt.
The day began with a slew of victories for Trump, who had his classified papers case dismissed, his long-awaited vice presidential choice announced, and his candidacy officially recognized before the evening programming even began.
On Monday night, though, all eyes were on the former president as he made an unexpected appearance, sporting a bandage over his ear that had been shot. Sitting next to his newly selected running partner, Ohio Republican Sen. J.D. Vance, the president seemed visibly moved as he took in the enthusiastic “fight” chants from the crowd.
Both Trump and Vance were making their public debuts following the assassination attempt; Trump had previously announced Vance as his vice presidential choice.
Vance and Trump will undoubtedly address the convention throng, but the speakers for the following three days have not been announced just yet. Traditionally, vice presidential nominees have spoken the night before, while Trump delivers his speech on Thursday.
Republican speakers all day long gushed over Trump’s survival from Saturday’s gunfire. The American lion climbed back on his feet, even though the devil came to Pennsylvania brandishing a rifle, Sen. Tim Scott yelled at the crowd.
Additionally, each speaker shared anecdotes of how they had extensive contact with various Republican voters. Black voters were urged by Rep. John James (R-Michigan) to back Trump. The founder of Turning Point USA, Charlie Kirk, addressed the youth of today. In addition to predicting that Virginia would vote red, Gov. Glenn Youngkin used Trump’s economic program to court businesses.
R-Pa. Representative Dan Meuser remarked, “The President got hit, went down on his own and he came up” while speaking on the convention floor. “And I believe the American people, not merely Republicans, find that story compelling.”
