The Republican National Convention closed with Trump seeking a knock out blow. The RNC is trying to do what many consider impossible: reaching out to the black community while also being the law and order President. The RNC featured a number of very prominent black Americans including HUD Secretary Ben Carson and Alice Johnson, criminal justice reform activist. At the same time, a number of speakers highlighted Trump’s support for the police and appeal for law and order. Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani made the case that Biden and the progressive wing led by current NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio would usher in a new era of rising crime. A less confident President would not think it possible to make both arguments at the same time, but Trump is trying to go big and do what no Republican has done and win a sizeable share of the black vote while also winning back the suburban voter scared of rising crime.
The President’s daughter Ivanka Trump then introduced her father with a rousing speech. Portraying her father as the People’s President fighting on behalf of the forgotten people in America. Rattling off a series of achievements, Ivanka made a convincing argument that her father has delivered on his promises. She portrayed him as someone who is draining the swamp, cutting pharmaceutical prices, protecting our fathers, and defending our nation. Ivanka hit on another theme: ending foreign wars. The Republicans are now the party of peace, the Democrats the party of war. Amazing how times have changed. Ivanka’s best line: “Washington has not changed Donald Trump, Donald Trump has changed Washington.” We believe she has political aspirations.
Trump also has a knack for showmanship. Emerging from the White House with First Lady Melania, Trump came out in front of a large cheering White House audience. Some how the RNC has managed to have perfect weather during all of these events. The contrast with Biden’s convention speech before an empty hall could not be greater. Trump started by recognizing the hurricane and then made a personal thank you to his family, including his recently deceased brother, and Vice President Mike Pence. Trump broke tradition by holding the speech at the White House and then choreography could not have been better. He conveyed optimism and confidence, promising to restore America from the pandemic to new heights and achievements. Citing Teddy Roosevelt, Andrew Jackson, Ulysses Grant, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin Roosevelt, Trump gave a whirlwind summary of bravery in American history. He then made the case of why this election is so important, a choice between two visions: the American Dream v. Socialism. Trump: “We put our trust in almighty God!” Another memorable line: “Biden’s agenda is made in China. Mine is made in the USA.”
Trump could have played it safe, but tonight he went big, speaking about American exceptionalism. Trump may be the incumbent, but he is running like a scrappy outsider who loves America, someone who keeps his promises, fights for the common person, and puts America First. This was a speech that Trump would have given even if there had not been a coronavirus. It was a bit long, but we think it was effective.
NewEnglandPolitics.com 