The RNC kicked off Day 2 with an uplifting story about the Hope for Prisoners, a story of redemption and second chances. It is a strong appeal to both Black and evangelical Christian voters. President Trump is making a nuanced outreach to both law enforcement and the minority communities. The RNC also gave a speaking assignment to Senator Rand Paul, perhaps the leading libertarian Republican. Paul has worked with Trump on criminal justice reform act and has staunchly supported a foreign policy focused on ending wars. Paul portrayed Trump as a friend of Peace.
The RNC then shifted to hearing from everyday Americans, a lobsterman from Maine, a dairy farmer in Wisconsin, female entrepreneurs, ranchers who praised Trump’s efforts to restore American business, reduce taxes, eliminate regulation, create fair trade deals, and making America energy independent. Trump economic advisor Larry Kudlow then gave a speech extolling the Trump economic record. Kudlow referred to a V-shaped recover, a housing boom, an auto boom, and more economic gains to come.
Cissie Graham Lynch then spoke about living out our faith in American life. Lynch spoke about making sure that religious liberty is protected, highlighting the threats coming from Biden and Harris to churches and people of faith. Abby Johnson, former Planned Parenthood leader and now pro-life advocate, spoke about the pro-life movement, the horrors of the abortion industry, and its racist roots. Nicholas Sandman then spoke about putting on a MAGA hat and being attacked by the liberal elites. Together, Lynch, Johnson and Sandman are speaking to the evangelical and conservative Christian voters, a core constituency of the Republican Party, as well as Americans put off by cancel culture.
The RNC also tried to appeal to female voters by featuring prominent women in his administration and hearing from women in his family: his daughter Tiffany Trump and first lady Melania Trump. Tiffany spoke about encouraging freedom of speech, equality of opportunity, school choice, freedom of religion, and the hope of America. First Lady Melania Trump gave the featured presentation in front of a live crowd at the White House, once again highlighting the resourcefulness of the American public and her own story as an immigrant. Her speech was less political but once again featured freedom and the greatness of America.
The mainstream media will likely attack tonight’s performances, but we think it was fairly effective. The RNC is speaking to the pivotal mid-western voter, rural voters, and evangelical Christians while also appealing to suburban women and black voters. They are projecting a positive image of America, a land of opportunity and freedom. The stories at today’s RNC will not appeal to the Hollywood crowd, but they are powerful and will resonate with the targeted audience in the heartland and battleground states.
NewEnglandPolitics.com 