Key Takeaways From Day 1 Of The RNC

Two days after an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, Republicans rallied around him and launched fierce attacks on President Joe Biden's policies and fitness for office during the opening day of the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee.

Trump, along with his newly announced running mate, Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio, officially secured the Republican presidential and vice presidential nominations, solidifying the party's 2024 ticket.

For Trump, this nomination marks his third consecutive time leading the GOP presidential ticket—an unprecedented feat that underscores his enduring influence and control over the party, which he has significantly reshaped since his initial White House run in 2016. For Vance, the event was his first significant foray onto the national political stage. Vance is slated to formally accept the vice presidential nomination later in the week, setting the stage for Trump's acceptance speech on Thursday night.

Trump's Presence and Impact:

Even before making a surprise appearance towards the end of the program, Trump dominated the day's proceedings. Speakers hailed his presidency as a time of record economic growth and stability, contrasting it sharply with the Biden administration. The night's most dramatic moment came when Trump, wearing a white bandage over his right ear to cover the gunshot wound from Saturday's attack, received a thunderous standing ovation as he entered Fiserv Forum. He spent the final hour of speeches in a VIP section with Vance, House Speaker Mike Johnson, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, and members of his family.

Portraying Trump as an American Hero:

Republicans leveraged the assassination attempt to depict Trump as an American hero, reinforcing the fighter image he has cultivated among his supporters. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina called Trump "an American lion," while Representative Wesley Hunt of Texas said the attack showed Trump was "putting it all on the line." North Carolina Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson, running for governor, dubbed Trump the "braveheart of our time." Trump did not speak that night, leaving anticipation about how he will address the attack in his Thursday speech.

The MAGA Takeover:

The convention venue was filled with red Make America Great Again hats and other MAGA gear, giving it the atmosphere of a Trump campaign rally as much as a nominating convention. Trump's influence was evident in the lineup of speakers, including several conservative firebrands who have modeled themselves after him. 

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, a prominent far-right Trump supporter, kicked off her speech by calling Trump the "founding father of the America First movement." Greene's speech, which included denouncements of transgender rights, criticisms of Biden's economic policies, and opposition to U.S. aid for Ukraine, resonated with Trump's base and energized the convention crowd.

However, this strong MAGA branding could also play into Biden's strategy of portraying Trump and his followers as extreme. While Trump has moderated his stance on some issues, the convention's content provides Biden with ample material to argue that Trump and his movement are outside the political mainstream.

Scrutinizing Biden's Age and Fitness for Office:

Biden's age and mental acuity have been major topics in the 2024 election cycle. Republicans brought these issues back into focus, highlighting Biden's age (81) and contrasting it with Trump's (78), who would be the second oldest president if re-elected. The narrative of Biden being too old for office was reinforced through various speeches and a video showing Biden struggling with basic tasks. While the party faces challenges in attacking Biden on this front due to Trump's age, polls indicate that public concern is more pronounced about Biden's age, making it a key issue for Republicans.

A Return to Pre-Pandemic Normalcy:

The pandemic significantly altered the format of the 2020 conventions. In 2020, Republicans held a hybrid virtual and in-person convention, culminating in a large rally at the White House criticized as a superspreader event. Democrats conducted mostly virtual events, with Biden's acceptance speech delivered to a near-empty room. This year, the RNC resembled more traditional conventions, similar to 2016 when Trump accepted the nomination after an unexpected primary victory. The upcoming Democratic National Convention is also expected to have a traditional format.

With fewer stylistic differences between the conventions, viewers will need to pay close attention to the rhetoric and policies of both parties. Given the widespread voter frustration with their presidential choices, it remains uncertain whether the conventions will attract significant audiences.