MILWAUKEE – While the economy was the main focus on the first night of the Republican National Convention, it was Donald Trump’s first public appearance since the assassination attempt at his rally on Saturday that captivated the audience
A surge of energy swept through Fiserv Forum as Trump, sporting a large white bandage over his right ear, entered the venue. The crowd erupted with enthusiastic cheers as Lee Greenwood performed “God Bless the U.S.A.,” a staple at Trump rallies, evoking visible emotions from attendees, including Trump’s son Don Jr.
Trump did not make any formal remarks, except for mouthing “thank you” to the attendees before taking a seat next to Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, his newly announced running mate, and Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla. The crowd echoed Trump’s post-shooting sentiments by chanting, “Fight! Fight! Fight!”
Speakers largely adhered to the evening’s theme, “Make America Wealthy Again,” but references to the recent shooting and contrasting rhetoric occasionally surfaced.
High inflation and criticisms of the economy under President Joe Biden were prominent talking points throughout the night.
“Many families today are having that same experience,” said North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, reflecting on his childhood poverty. “Grocery prices have skyrocketed, and gas has nearly doubled in North Carolina factories.”
Robinson’s subdued tone stood out, given his reputation for fiery speeches, sometimes including violent remarks. Earlier this month, he controversially said, “Some folks need killing.”
Despite the recent cooling of inflation and a low unemployment rate, speakers continued to target Biden’s economic policies. This campaign narrative was intensified by the attempted assassination of Trump by a 20-year-old gunman at a Pennsylvania rally. The assailant narrowly missed Trump’s head but injured his ear, also killing a rallygoer and injuring two others before being killed by law enforcement.
Trump revised his convention speech post-shooting to emphasize unity and reduce the intense political rhetoric marking much of the election so far. However, the assassination attempt was not a dominant theme on the convention’s first night. The Trump campaign strategically selected speakers to address the issue sparingly.
“On Saturday, the devil came to Pennsylvania holding a rifle,” said Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C. “But the American lion got back up on his feet and he roared!”
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., remarked, “Unfortunately, this is also a somber moment for our nation. Two days ago, evil came for the man we admire and love so much. I thank God that his hand was on President Trump.”
Despite calls for unity, there were still plenty of partisan attacks. Greene also criticized transgender rights, while Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., denounced the “Democratic agenda” in a fervent speech.
“Today’s Democratic agenda — their policies — are a clear and present danger to America,” Johnson said. “They have abandoned the hard-working middle class. But with President Trump … those forgotten Americans are forgotten no more.”
Johnson later clarified to PBS that the wrong speech was uploaded to the teleprompter, not the one he intended to give. A spokesperson confirmed the speech was supposed to acknowledge the somber moment in history and emphasize Trump’s call for unity.
Technology investor David Sacks further criticized Democrats, accusing them of “gaslighting the country” about Biden’s fitness and blaming them for turning San Francisco “into a cesspool of crime.”
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