Trump Accepts Republican Endorsement as Biden Campaign Struggles

 

• Michael Mathes Friday, July 19, 2024 - 11:00Former President Donald Trump accepted the Republican Party's nomination for the presidential election on Thursday, predicting an "astonishing victory" amid the faltering campaign of his rival, Joe Biden. Trump's acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee was marked by his survival of an assassination attempt and the challenges facing the Biden campaign."We will achieve an amazing victory and begin the greatest four years in the history of our country," Trump, 78, declared.This was Trump's first public appearance since a 20-year-old man shot him at an election rally last weekend, injuring him in the right ear and killing one of the attendees. In an emotional recounting of the shooting incident, Trump said, “God was on my side,” and called for a minute of silence to honor the late firefighter Corey Comperatore, who was killed in the attack. Trump kissed the firefighter's helmet on the podium in front of a silent crowd.Trump took the stage to chants of "USA" from a crowd that has recently elevated him to near-mythical status. Among the attendees were 1980s wrestling star Hulk Hogan and conservative journalist Tucker Carlson, who described Trump’s survival as a historic moment. Carlson proclaimed Trump the “leader of the nation” after the assassination attempt.Although it was expected that Trump's speech would signal a shift towards unity, the Republican billionaire quickly returned to his familiar narrative of a nation in crisis needing rescue. He promised to complete the construction of the US-Mexico border wall and claimed that the "invasion" of migrants had brought "destruction" and "misery" to America.Trump also vowed to end Biden's significant spending on climate change initiatives, calling it a "scam," and reiterated his accusations of fraud in the 2020 election. Despite promises from his aides that he would not mention Biden by name, Trump referenced his opponent and the "damage" he had caused.## "Savior of Democracy"Despite facing scandals and impeachment proceedings related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, and a conviction on 34 felonies in a New York criminal trial in May, Trump's popularity remains high as the November elections approach. With the Republican Party firmly behind him, Trump is optimistic about a shock return to power.In response to accusations of authoritarian tendencies, Trump asserted that he is "the person who saves democracy" and dismissed the criminal investigations against him as a "wild hunt." He urged against "criminalizing opposition or demonizing political differences."Trump's overwhelming support in Milwaukee contrasts sharply with the crisis engulfing Biden, who is 81 years old. On Thursday evening, there were indications that the Democratic Party might push Biden to withdraw from the race in favor of Vice President Kamala Harris or another candidate, amid concerns about his declining health and its impact on the election.Jason Miller, Trump's senior adviser, told AFP that "nothing will fundamentally change" for Trump if Biden withdraws from the race.The Trump family was present at the event. His son Eric energized the crowd by chanting, "Fight, fight, fight!" Trump's wife, Melania, who has been absent from most campaign events, also attended, receiving applause but not speaking.## Martial Arts and PreachingThroughout the week, Trump's supporters have praised his bravery since the attack. Dayna White, CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship and an old friend of Trump, spoke at the convention, highlighting Trump's appeal to younger male voters.Evangelical preacher Franklin Graham, whose father was a spiritual advisor to several US presidents, led a lengthy prayer for Trump, adding a different tone to the event.Biden's disastrous performance in a debate against Trump last month continues to haunt his campaign, with opinion polls showing a widening gap in a previously close race. The Republican campaign is now optimistic about Trump's chances in traditionally Democratic strongholds like Minnesota and Virginia.This week, Trump announced Ohio Senator Jay Dee Vance as his running mate. Vance, 39, is the author of "Hillbilly Elegy," a best-selling memoir about his working-class upbringing. Once a critic of Trump, Vance has become one of his staunchest supporters.