The atmosphere inside the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee was nothing short of exuberant on Monday, as the Republican National Convention formally nominated former President Donald Trump for another term, mere days after a harrowing assassination attempt. Despite the evening’s thematic focus on “Make America Wealthy Once Again,” the true highlight was undoubtedly Trump’s announcement of Ohio Senator J.D. Vance as his vice presidential nominee and Trump’s bold return to the public eye.
Speaker after speaker took the podium, lavishing praise on Trump while simultaneously criticizing President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Yet, it was Trump’s dramatic entrance that genuinely electrified the crowd. Appearing in a video clip before arriving in person, the former president was met with thunderous cheers. He raised a defiant fist while shaking hands with allies, wearing a bandage over his right ear, a stark reminder of Saturday’s attempt on his life.
This marked Trump’s first public appearance since the attempt, and the crowd responded with a standing ovation, chanting “USA! USA!” and “We want Trump!” in unison. Although Trump did not address the attendees, he spent the night applauding and smiling as speakers took the stage to extol his virtues. Before his entrance, Trump urged attendees via video message to engage in early voting, stressing the importance of “swamping” the Democrats to ensure a November victory.
Vance’s selection was unveiled on Monday afternoon, ending weeks of speculation and suspense. Vance’s nomination outshone other contenders, such as Senators Tim Scott and Marco Rubio and Representatives Byron Donalds and Elise Stefanik. Trump, explaining his choice on Truth Social, emphasized Vance’s originality and ability to serve as Vice President.
Vance, who rose to prominence with his bestselling memoir “Hillbilly Elegy” before winning his Senate seat, has quickly ascended the ranks of GOP politics. His selection was well-received within the convention, igniting chants of “J.D.! J.D.! J.D.!” from the delegates. The vocal support from key figures like Vivek Ramaswamy underscored Vance’s political stature and alignment with Trump’s vision.
Adding to the day’s victories was a significant legal win for Trump. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed Special Counsel Jack Smith’s case against Trump concerning handling classified documents. This dismissal comes after the Supreme Court had already granted Trump limited immunity from prosecution. The timing of these legal triumphs coincides with Biden’s faltering performance in recent debates, further invigorating Republican delegates.
The Fiserv Forum was a sea of spirited Republicans, adorned in patriotic garb, buoyed by the return of the traditional in-person convention format sidelined by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the last in-person gathering in 2016, the GOP has longed for the camaraderie and direct engagement that virtual events could not fully replicate.
The convention’s first day was marked by an enthusiastic start, promising more fervent sessions in the days to come. Delegates and attendees reveled in the shared excitement, capturing an unmistakable sense of unity and purpose critical as they move toward the November election. This gathering in Milwaukee symbolizes not just a nomination but a renewed vigor and an unyielding belief in a vision for America’s future. The enthusiastic chants of “Trump! Trump! Trump!” reverberating through the arena embody the convention’s spirited endeavor to recapture the Oval Office.