Donald Trump enters Republican convention hall with a bandaged ear and gets a hero's welcome

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the opening night of the Republican National Convention, which took place just days after an apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. It covers the triumphant appearance of Trump at the convention, the party's calls for unity and attacks on the Biden administration, as well as the nomination of J.D. Vance as Trump's running mate.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Trump's Appearance at the Convention

1. What was the reaction of the GOP delegates when Trump appeared at the convention?

• The GOP delegates cheered wildly when Trump appeared onscreen backstage and then emerged in the arena, visibly emotional, as musician Lee Greenwood sang "God Bless the USA."

2. How did Trump behave during the convention?

• Trump did not address the hall, but smiled silently and occasionally waved as Greenwood sang. He eventually joined his newly announced running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, to listen to the night's remaining speeches, often with a subdued expression and muted reactions uncharacteristic for the unabashed showman.

3. What was the significance of Trump's appearance at the convention?

• The raucous welcome underscored the depth of the crowd's affection for Trump, who won the 2016 nomination as an outsider but has now vanquished all Republican rivals and commands loyalty up and down the party ranks.

[02] Calls for Unity and Attacks on the Biden Administration

1. What were the calls for unity made by Republican leaders?

• Republican Party Chairman Michael Whatley called for the party and the nation to "unite" and show the same "strength and resilience" as Trump.

2. How did the Republican leaders attack the Biden administration?

• Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson said the Biden administration's policies are a "clear and present danger to America, to our institutions, our values and our people."
• Multiple speakers invoked religious imagery to discuss Trump and the assassination attempt, with Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina saying "The devil came to Pennsylvania holding a rifle, but an American lion got back up on his feet!"

3. How did the convention address the 2020 election and Trump's claims of it being stolen?

• The article notes that the convention did not pass without references to the 2020 election and Trump's repeated lies that it was stolen from him.

[03] Nomination of J.D. Vance as Trump's Running Mate

1. Who is J.D. Vance and why was his selection significant?

• J.D. Vance is the young Ohio senator who first rose to national attention with his bestselling memoir "Hillbilly Elegy," which was hailed as a window into the parts of working-class America that helped propel Trump.
• North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum said Vance's "small town roots and service to country make him a powerful voice for the America First Agenda."

2. How did the convention address Vance's selection as Trump's running mate?

• Trump announced his choice of Vance as his running mate as delegates were voting on the former president's nomination on Monday.