RNC 2024: Trump’s Nomination and VP Pick

This week, the Republican National Convention will convene in Milwaukee to formally nominate former President Donald Trump for a third presidential bid. This event unfolds in the wake of an alarming incident where an assassination attempt was made on Trump during a recent rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The attack, which saw a bullet graze Trump’s right ear and resulted in the death of one attendee and severe injuries to two others, has prompted the implementation of heightened security measures for the convention. Despite these security concerns, Trump remains focused on delivering a speech centered on the theme of national unity.

The convention’s primary purpose is procedural, as Trump has already secured the necessary delegate votes to solidify his nomination. Trump’s delegate count includes the 2,265 votes from the primaries and an additional 97 from former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, who was also a candidate in the primaries. The delegates are legally bound to cast their votes for Trump, ensuring his nomination is a formality rather than a contested process. Trump is scheduled to speak on Thursday, where he will formally accept the Republican nomination. According to the Washington Examiner, Trump has significantly revised his speech, which was initially intended to critique President Joe Biden’s administration, in favor of a message promoting national unity and healing.

In the wake of the assassination attempt, Trump’s senior campaign advisers released a memo confirming that the convention would proceed as planned with enhanced security protocols. These new measures include increased security personnel and additional safety precautions for both the event staff and attendees. Politico reports that these measures are designed to ensure a safe environment amidst the heightened security risks.

The convention’s opening day will focus on economic issues, with the Republican National Committee (RNC) using the platform to argue that President Biden’s policies have led to stagnation in wage growth and made daily life increasingly unaffordable for working-class Americans. This focus reflects the party’s strategy to capitalize on economic discontent and position itself as a remedy to the perceived failures of the Biden administration.

A significant highlight of the convention will be Trump’s anticipated announcement of his vice-presidential running mate. Speculation is rife that the choice will be between Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio, Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, or Governor Doug Burgum of North Dakota. Trump’s adviser, Jason Miller, indicated on Fox & Friends that the announcement is expected to occur “by” Monday. This revelation will be a key moment in the convention, providing a glimpse into Trump’s strategic decisions for his campaign.

On Saturday, Trump released the full lineup of convention speakers, which includes several high-profile and controversial figures. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia will be among the speakers, while former First Lady Melania Trump’s absence has been notable. The list features a range of Trump’s staunch supporters and influential voices within the party.

The convention will take place from July 15-18, with major news networks providing live coverage of the event during prime time. For those unable to watch on traditional television, the convention will be streamed live on multiple platforms, including YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook Live, Rumble, Amazon Prime, Twitch, Direct TV, and the RNC’s official website. This extensive coverage ensures broad accessibility for viewers across various media channels.

Reports suggest that Melania Trump will attend the convention, though her exact role and level of involvement remain uncertain. Her absence from recent high-profile events, such as the June 27 debate between Biden and Trump and Trump’s Manhattan hush money trial, has raised questions about her public engagement with the campaign. Despite this, her presence at the convention could be significant in terms of media coverage and public perception.

The convention will feature speeches from prominent figures such as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Donald Trump Jr., Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, conservative media personality Tucker Carlson, Arizona Republican Kari Lake, and rapper Amber Rose. Iowa Republican Party Chair Jeff Kaufmann will formally nominate Trump on Monday afternoon, as reported by the Des Moines Register. Donald Trump Jr. is expected to speak on Wednesday, likely introducing his father’s vice-presidential pick. The anticipated speakers, including Burgum, Rubio, and Vance, are expected to address the convention at various points throughout the week.

In a notable shift, the Republican platform is expected to omit its long-standing call for a national abortion ban. This change aligns with Trump’s position that abortion policies should be determined at the state level. Additionally, the new platform will exclude the previous statements advocating for “traditional marriage” as being between “one man and one woman,” as well as language promoting the reduction of the national debt. These changes reflect a more flexible stance on several key issues.

Milwaukee was selected as the convention’s host city due to its status as a major urban center in a crucial swing state. Although Joe Biden won Wisconsin in the 2020 election, current polls indicate that Trump is leading in the state this year. The decision to hold the convention in Milwaukee was made unanimously by Republicans in August 2022. Most of the convention’s events will be held at the Fiserv Forum, home of the Milwaukee Bucks, with more than 50,000 attendees expected. The event will be restricted to invited guests, excluding the general public.

The convention’s timing coincides with the aftermath of the assassination attempt on Trump, which has been a significant focus of media coverage. The FBI has reported that Thomas Matthew Crooks, the alleged shooter, acted alone in the attack. This incident has added a layer of intensity to the convention and heightened the stakes for Trump’s campaign.

The Republican National Convention is poised to be a moment of consolidation for the party, as it seeks to present a united front in contrast to the ongoing divisions within the Democratic Party. With Biden’s re-election bid facing scrutiny, particularly after a problematic debate performance, Trump’s campaign aims to leverage its momentum and solidify support. Since securing the nomination in March, Trump has consistently led in most polls, and his lead appears to have increased following the debates. Trump’s campaign, having merged with the RNC, now features his daughter-in-law Lara Trump and ally Michael Whately as co-chairs, signaling a unified and strategic approach to the upcoming election.