The Republican National Convention, a significant event in the American political calendar, is set to commence in Wisconsin, with thousands of Republicans expected to attend.
This comes just two days after an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania. Despite the harrowing incident, the 78-year-old Trump is undeterred and will be present at the convention, where he is expected to accept the Republican Party's nomination for president and reveal his vice-presidential pick.
According to The New York Post, Trump expressed his determination to attend the convention despite the recent attack. He stated, "Based on yesterday's terrible events, I was going to delay my trip to Wisconsin, but have just decided that I cannot allow a 'shooter,' or potential assassin, to force change to scheduling, or anything else." This statement underscores Trump's resolve to continue his political journey, a sentiment that resonates with the convention's attendees and the broader Republican community.
The convention, which is held every four years, is a significant event for the Republican Party. It allows the party's 2,400 delegates to officially nominate a presidential candidate. The convention also serves as a platform for key party figures and sitting officials to discuss strategy, policy, and other pertinent issues. This year, the convention is held in Wisconsin, a state that has emerged as a crucial battleground in recent presidential cycles.
The convention will also see the GOP officially adopt its new platform, a slim 16-page document that was unveiled last week. This year's convention is a departure from the 2020 GOP convention, which was scaled down and hosted in various locations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The convention will be broadcasted by major news networks and will also be live-streamed on the Republican Party's official website, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.
The four-day convention will feature various events, each with a unique theme. Monday's theme is "Make America Wealthy Once Again," focusing on economic policy and contrasting the nation's wealth under Trump and President Biden. Tuesday's theme is "Make America Safe Once Again," where Republicans will critique the Democrats' crime and border policies while discussing Trump's law enforcement agenda. Wednesday's theme is "Make America Strong Once Again," addressing international threats from adversaries like Iran and China. The final day, Thursday, will be themed "Make America Great Once Again," featuring Trump's plans to usher in a "new golden age for America."
Trump is expected to announce his vice-presidential pick at the convention, although the exact timing remains unconfirmed. Amidst calls for increased security following the assassination attempt on Trump, Audrey Gibson-Cicchino, the Secret Service's RNC convention coordinator, assured reporters that they are confident in their current plans.
The convention will feature speeches from various notable figures, including former U.S. ambassador to the UN and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, Trump's sons Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, RNC chairwoman Lara Trump, and Kimberly Guilfoyle.
Other speakers include Chairman Michael Whatley, Committee on Arrangements Chairwoman Anne Hathaway, and Host Committee Chairman Reince Priebus.
However, some notable figures will be absent from the convention. Former Vice President Mike Pence, who served in Trump's first administration, has announced he will not endorse his former running mate for president in 2024.
Other Republicans who have had disagreements with Trump, such as Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Susan Collins (R-Maine), are also expected to skip the convention. Despite these absences, the convention promises to be a significant event, setting the stage for the upcoming presidential race.
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