Thursday morning news: July 18, 2024

USHA VANCE: It is my great privilege to introduce my husband and the next vice president of the United States, JD Vance.

KENT COVINGTON, NEWS ANCHOR: RNC » Usha Chilukuri Vance introducing Donald Trump’s running mate who proceeded to introduce himself to the Republican party at large.

J.D. VANCE: My friends, tonight is a night of hope, a celebration of what America once was, and with God’s grace, what it will soon be again.

Those remarks set the tone for the evening in what was a decidedly positive speech. The U.S. Senator from Ohio did not, in his first speech as Trump’s running mate assume the traditional VP nominee role of attack dog.

He said relatively little about President Biden.

Instead, Vance talked at length about his working class upbringing in Kentucky and rural Ohio and pitched the Trump ticket’s vision to blue collar Midwestern voters.

VANCE: There is still so much talent and grit in the American Heartland. There really is. But for these places to thrive, my friends, we need a leader who fights for the people who built this country.

Republicans also heard last night from, among others, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Donald Trump Jr.

Tonight, former President Trump himself will take the stage to deliver his first speech since a would-be assassin’s bullet pierced his right ear at a rally in Pennsylvania.

Harris on Vance, shooting » While Sen. Vance brought Republicans to their feet last night, Vice President Kamala Harris wasn’t impressed. She said Wednesday:

HARRIS: Trump looked for someone he knew would be a rubber stamp for his extreme agenda, and make no mistake, JD Vance will be loyal only to Trump, not to our country.

Harris, though, did congratulate Vance this week on his nomination.

The two VP candidates have agreed to debate one another, but their respective campaigns have not yet agreed on the terms or a date for the vice presidential debate.

Biden COVID » President Biden is working from his house in Delaware today. He’s self-isolating after testing positive for COVID-19. The White House says he’s experiencing only “mild symptoms” and will continue to carry out his duties from home.

Secret Service investigations » The inspector general of the Department of Homeland Security has launched an investigation into the Secret Service security failures that led to the almost successful attempt on Donald Trump’s life.

House Republicans are also demanding answers. Speaker Mike Johnson is calling for the resignation of Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle.

JOHNSON: I think it’s inexcusable, just, just, beyond the classified parts. The things that we all understand. Her explanation to the media.

House Oversight CommitteeChairman James Comer has subpoenaed Cheatle to testify before his committee on Monday.

Lawmakers say they want to know, among other things why the rooftop used by the gunman was not secured.

Jack Smith appeals decision to toss documents case vs Trump » Jack Smith, the special counsel prosecuting Donald Trump’s classified documents case is appealing a federal judge’s decision to toss out the case. WORLD’s Paul Butler has more.

PAUL BUTLER: U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon this week dismissed the case against former President Donald Trump, finding that the Justice Department unconstitutionally appointed Smith. That’s because he’s not a U.S. attorney and was not approved by the Senate.

Jack Smith’s appeal is expected to tee up a legal fight that could ultimately reach the U.S. Supreme Court. But if the case is revived, it would not be brought to trial before the November election.

For WORLD, I’m Paul Butler.

Biden facing renewed pressure to bow out » President Biden is facing renewed pressure to end his reelection bid and pass the torch to a younger Democratic White House nominee.

A prominent Democrat, Congressman Adam Schiff of California has gone public with his plea for Biden to bow out.

He said Wednesday, “Joe Biden has been one of the most consequential presidents in our nation’s history.” But he said, “I have serious concerns about whether the President can defeat Donald Trump in November.”

Biden continues to insist he’s in it to win, and he’s not going anywhere.

I’m Kent Covington.

Straight ahead: More analysis of this week’s Republican Convention. Plus, presidential assassination attempts in perspective.

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