The Republican National Convention will commence in Milwaukee on Monday following an assassination attempt on Donald Trump just two days prior. The attack at his campaign rally has shocked the nation and exacerbated existing political divides. Despite the incident, Trump and his team are determined to proceed with the event, showcasing the former president and his agenda as the party officially nominates him.
The aftermath of the attack raises questions about how the tone of speeches at the convention will be impacted. There are bipartisan calls for unity, yet some Republicans have blamed President Joe Biden, adding a layer of complexity to the event. The focus is on whether speeches will become more incendiary or emphasize calmness.
Party unity is expected to be a central theme at the convention, with Trump and GOP officials looking to demonstrate resolve. The event aims to project a strong message amidst the recent turmoil faced by the former president. Candidates for Trump’s running mate, including JD Vance, Marco Rubio, and Doug Burgum, are set to address delegates during the week, with the vice-presidential nominee expected to speak on Wednesday.
As the convention kicks off, there will likely be heightened scrutiny on Vice President Kamala Harris amid questions surrounding Biden’s candidacy. Economic policies will also take the spotlight, with a focus on job creation, tariffs on foreign-made goods, and tax cuts. Republicans are expected to highlight Trump’s proposals in contrast to Biden’s economic plans.
In a bid to appeal to moderate voters, Trump’s messaging and approach will be closely watched. His campaign themes of addressing past grievances and legal issues could be challenging for undecided voters. Meanwhile, Biden will feature in a prime-time interview on NBC on Monday, aiming to reassure his party about his candidacy and highlighting differences between himself and Trump.
Despite the temporary pause in Democratic counterprogramming after the shooting incident, Biden will resume his campaign activities by addressing the NAACP convention in Las Vegas. The visit is seen as an opportunity for him to emphasize the contrasts between himself and Trump and regain standing with skeptical Democrats.
