In a historic and iconic 93-minute rambling speech touching on everything from pop culture references, catchy phrases, a personal description of being shot in the ear and narrowly missing a fatal blow, to a moving tribute for a fallen rally attendee who died in the failed assassination attempt, former President Donald Trump accepted the nomination as the Republican Presidential Candidate on the fourth and final night of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Descriptions of Trump’s Speech
Many have described Trump as somber and mellow in his 93-minute acceptance speech. Many Twitter fans and commentators were discussing turning off the speech and going to bed, some humorously drawing a contrast between the perceived feebleness of Biden. At the same time, it seemed as though Trump was poised to keep talking all night.
Trump’s Visible Injury
Trump wore a conspicuous white bandage on his right ear, protecting the wound he received from the assassination attempt Saturday night at his Butler, Pennsylvania, rally.
Recounting the Assassination Attempt
In the first thrust of his speech, he announced that he would retell and detail for one time only the events that occurred the night he was shot. He said that the story was too painful to recall and, therefore, he would not retell the story again publicly.
Trump’s Personal Account
He went on to describe from his perspective what he saw, felt, and heard as the shooter attempted to assassinate him. He describes his thoughts and reflections post-shooting, saying, “If I had not moved my head at that very last instant, the assassin’s bullet would have perfectly hit its mark. And I would not be here tonight. We would not be together.”
Gratitude for the Secret Service
Overall, Trump expressed gratitude and appreciation for the Secret Service, noting their bravery, courage, and quick response to provide him with security cover. He lauded the sniper who killed the assassin in one shot from a great distance away, more significant than the distance between Trump and the assassin himself.
Support for the Secret Service
This narrative may prop up the Secret Service, which has come under the fire of Republican legislators for failing to sweep the rooftop and secure the former President during his campaign event. Trump did not reveal any hint of indiscretion or failure of the Secret Service and showed confidence and trust in the agents.
Acknowledging Allies and Supporters
Trump also spent many minutes thanking his allies and supporters in attendance at the RNC, the other speakers, and waxed on and about the crowd of fans who attended the rally in Pennsylvania and remained to see if Trump was okay rather than running toward the exits as he claimed is the norm in active shooter situations.
Length and Tone of the Speech
Trump’s speech, at 93 minutes, is the longest acceptance speech in modern history. His tone was notably softer and more reflective than in the past, and he continued his insistence that he would win the Presidency this November. The polls are currently trending in his favor.
Absence of Bombastic Remarks
The relative absence of bombastic and incendiary remarks may also boost his chances as he tries to gather a broader electoral coalition to secure his election.
Limited Attacks on Biden
Trump said he would not mention his opponent, President Joe Biden’s name. He did not keep this promise, but the references to his political foe were fewer than in the past, and he did not use derogatory name-calling as he had in the past.
If Trump attacked Biden, given his current feebleness and public descent, Trump would appear more of a bully than many voters already believe him to be.
Call for Unity
Trump pointed out the need to heal the disunity in the political realm today. He said, “The discord and division in our society must be healed. We must heal it quickly. A single fate and a shared destiny bind Americans. We rise together. Or we fall apart.”
He continued, “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.”
Immigration and America First Policy
In the latter half of the lengthy address, Trump described his commitment to ending the “invasion” of individuals into the country, claiming that many of them are sent by governments trying to get rid of their most problematic citizens by bringing them into the U.S. and refusing to take them back when deported.
Focus on Financial Security
He emphasized his “America First” policy to ensure that American citizens are not being taken advantage of financially by other countries or having their jobs and livelihoods imperiled by foreign interests.
Absent Issues
Several other prominent GOP issues were not discussed, including abortion rights and gun rights.
Unified Republican Support
One notable aspect is that virtually no prominent Republican figures oppose Trump. He has brought all of his former partisan foes around, many of them even fully supporting him by speaking at the RNC.
These include Senator Ted Cruz, Senator Marco Rubio, Governor and U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, Governor Ron DeSantis, and most notably his running mate, Vice Presidential Nominee JD Vance.
