Former President Donald Trump formally accepted the Republican nomination for the 2024 presidential election on July 18, delivering what has been described as a record-long and meandering speech.
The event took place at the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where Trump addressed a crowd eager to hear his vision for the future and his reflections on recent dramatic events, including a failed assassination attempt just days earlier.
A Marathon Speech
Trump’s acceptance speech was notably lengthy, clocking in at ninety two minutes. The former president used this extended platform to touch on a wide array of topics, from his personal experiences to broader political issues. However, the speech was criticized by some for its lack of coherence and structure. Veteran Democratic strategist Maria Cardona described it as “rambling, incoherent, super low energy, [with] weird bizarre asides”.
Recounting the Assassination Attempt
A significant portion of Trump’s speech was dedicated to recounting the harrowing assassination attempt he survived on July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump detailed how a chart showing illegal immigration statistics, which he turned to look at moments before shots were fired, may have saved his life. This incident added a dramatic and personal element to his address, as he spoke about the fragility of life and his resolve to continue his political fight.
Political Attacks and Key Issues
True to form, Trump did not hold back in his attacks on President Joe Biden and other political opponents. He blamed Biden for various national and international crises, asserting that “if you took the ten worst presidents in the history of the United States, added them up, they will not have done the damage that Biden has done”. Trump also revisited his administration’s achievements, particularly highlighting his handling of the economy, immigration, and foreign policy.
The former president also took the opportunity to introduce his vice-presidential pick, Senator JD Vance, emphasizing a unified front against the Democrats in the upcoming election.
A Themed Convention
The RNC itself was a spectacle of political theater, with each day themed around a different aspect of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan. From “Make America Wealthy Once Again” to “Make America Safe Again,” the convention featured speeches from a variety of Trump allies, family members, and conservative celebrities. The event also included film screenings and a “Red, White and Brew” party to celebrate the host city’s brewing heritage.
Public and Media Reactions
Reactions to Trump’s speech were mixed. Supporters praised his resilience and determination, while critics pointed to the speech’s disjointed nature and lack of new policy proposals. Despite the criticism, Trump’s ability to command the stage and rally his base remained evident, reinforcing his position as a central figure in the GOP.
In conclusion, Trump’s acceptance speech at the 2024 RNC was a quintessentially Trumpian affair—long, dramatic, and full of both praise and controversy. As the election approaches, his performance at the convention will undoubtedly be a significant talking point for both supporters and detractors. One thing is for sure, Trump is very beatable in November, if the Democrats can unite behind their candidate whomever it turns out to be. We will see.