Trump wraps up RNC with message of unity

MILWAUKEE—Former President Donald Trump told the story of Saturday’s assassination attempt for the first, and what he said the only, time on Thursday night when he accepted the Republican nomination for presidential candidate. He began the speech by thanking the thousands of delegates and supporters for prayers, and he credited God with saving his life, saying, “I felt safe because I had God on my side.” He also brought the helmet and uniform of firefighter Corey Comperatore, a Pennsylvania man who was killed on Saturday. Trump said he was more determined to win the election and he was the only one working to save democracy. He called on voters to debate issues rather than demonizing people to avoid further political violence.

“The discord and division in our society must be healed. We must heal it quickly,” Trump said. “As Americans, we are bound together by a single fate and a shared destiny. We rise together. Or we fall apart. I am running to be president for all of America, not half of America because there is no victory in winning for half of America.”

How did voters respond? Throughout much of the speech, Trump spoke in a quieter, more measured tone than his typical style. Several delegates told WORLD they appreciated the shift.

“He was trying to unite us,” Florida delegate Amy Lee Stuckey said. “He didn’t want to be incendiary or volatile. It was a soft delivery, and I think it was on purpose.”

“His speech really reignited that sense of what I want for the country,” said Esther Merczynski, a 22-year-old voter from New York. “It was definitely more focused on love and peace and bringing the country back together, and I thought that was very important for both Republicans and Democrats.”

“I don’t think I've ever seen a Republican party so united before as tonight,” said Rick Lacey, a Florida delegate. “I think God helped us on Saturday by dodging that bullet and saving his life. It wasn’t a coincidence that that was an inch away from having a terrible tragedy for America, but I think what’s going to come out of this is a tsunami election that’s going to win an overwhelming majority landslide in November.”

What else did Trump say? The speech lasted about 90 minutes, the longest RNC acceptance speech in modern history. He thanked family members for delivering speeches in support earlier this week. And he praised newly announced running mate J.D. Vance, who he said “is going to be doing this for a long time. So enjoy the ride.” Trump called former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., “Crazy Nancy.” He promised mass deportations of illegal immigrants, lower taxes, and an end to the wars in Ukraine and Israel.

What is next? Trump will hold a rally in Grand Rapids, Mich., on Saturday in the indoor Van Andel arena. His campaign has not publicly commented on whether it will continue to host outdoor rallies after Saturday’s shooting. Meanwhile, Democrats have signaled strong dissatisfaction with President Joe Biden. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., who faces a tight race in November, was the second Democratic senator to demand Biden drop his reelection campaign. Pelosi said Biden is considering his options.

Dig deeper: Read Leo Briceno’s report in The Stew about low polling and party discontent with Biden.