“On the 15th local time, the Republican National Convention in the United States was filled with a message of ‘fight’ for the ‘resurrection’ of former President Donald Trump. Just three days after being shot at an outdoor rally in Pennsylvania, Trump appeared on the official podium and was officially confirmed as the Republican presidential candidate. The Republican Party held the convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at the Pfizer Forum. Wisconsin is one of the crucial swing states in the U.S. According to CNN, out of the 12 presidential elections held since 1976, the winner in Wisconsin has become the president 9 times. In fact, Trump won in 2016, and Biden won in 2020. The choice of Wisconsin as the venue for the convention by the Republicans was to stake out the sentiment early and secure support.
On the first day of the three-day convention, out of 2429 national delegates present, 2387 voted to nominate Trump by a comfortable majority exceeding the minimum threshold of 1215 votes. Eric Trump, the son of Trump, who is a representative from Florida, took the microphone and declared Trump as the official Republican presidential candidate, stating, ‘We declare the greatest president, Donald Trump, as the official Republican presidential candidate.’ Trump is expected to deliver an acceptance speech as the official candidate on the final day of the convention on the 18th.
The main theme attacked by the Republican Party was the economic issues affecting people as prices rise, blaming the Biden-Harris administration for the difficulties faced by ordinary citizens. Ron Johnson, a Senator from Wisconsin, criticized the Democratic government for making their lives less safe and more challenging. He described the current situation as an ‘economic struggle’ and stated that if Trump becomes president, he will make a wealthier America.
The convention highlighted black, minority, female, and labor figures as speakers to address the weaknesses of the Trump campaign in the previous election related to racial prejudice and misogyny, aiming to reinforce support for Trump. Various Republican figures emphasized Trump’s support for black Americans and other minorities. The convention also featured union members and leaders supporting Trump, reflecting a diverse and inclusive approach to garnering support.
The climax of the convention was when Trump appeared at the event. He greeted supporters with a raised fist, demonstrating his robustness and drawing cheers from the crowd. Trump’s entrance was accompanied by the song ‘God Bless the USA,’ and he was introduced on stage with reverence as ‘our next president,’ creating an almost ceremonial atmosphere.
Although Trump did not deliver a separate speech, he interacted with the audience and shook hands with JD Vance, the vice-presidential nominee, before taking a seat in the VIP section. The convention venue was heavily secured, with restricted public access, given the increased security measures in place since the shooting incident earlier.
Outside the convention venue, there were counter-Trump protests organized by various groups such as human rights activists, LGBTQ groups, and Palestine supporters, reflecting a diverse spectrum of voices challenging the Republican gathering.”