Unity: Trump moves on from it. Dems struggle to find it.
Unity: Trump moves on from it. Dems struggle to find it.
Also: Meet Vance, Kai Trump's debut and is Biden planning to leave the race?
This week’s Republican National Convention was a showcase of joy, enthusiasm, and calls for unity. With former President Donald Trump elevated to hero status after surviving an assassination attempt, the GOP put on a confident front. Meanwhile, the Democrats are grappling with internal discord, struggling to decide whether President Biden should remain their candidate for the upcoming election.
The contrast between the two parties couldn't be starker. Trump’s call for unity came swiftly after the attack. "In this moment, it is more important than ever that we stand united and show our true character as Americans, remaining strong and determined, and not allowing evil to win," he declared.
This message resonated with many at the convention, including former rivals like Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis, who begrudgingly endorsed Trump, emphasizing the importance of defeating Biden and the party’s shared goals of keeping America safe. Trump’s pick to be his Vice President, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance delivered a speech that sought to widen Trump’s appeal with America’s working class.
↪ Who is J.D. Vance? The Ohio Senator was once 'never Trump'. Now he's his running mate (BBC)
However, Trump's tendency to attack his political enemies complicates his unifying message. His speech Thursday night, in which he accepted his third-straight Republican presidential nomination, attempted to strike a balance between unity and his usual aggressive language.
“The discord and division in our society must be healed. As Americans, we are bound together by a single fate and a shared destiny. We rise together. Or we fall apart,” he said, adding he was running to be president for “all of America, not half of America.”
Trump — his voice softer than usual and his ear still bandaged - claimed God saved him from assassination so that he, in turn, could save America. “There was blood pouring everywhere, and yet in a certain way, I felt very safe because I had God on my side,” Trump said.
Over the course of his 90 minute speech, his sentimental calls for harmony gave way to his more typical attacks on Democrats. “They’re destroying our country,” he said, and repeated his claim that the Democrats stole the 2020 election.
This inconsistency raises questions about whether Trump can sustain this new softer, gentler tone through the election.
Meanwhile, the Democrats are in turmoil. Many are openly questioning President Biden's decision to run for re-election, fearing he can't beat Trump. His mixed performances on the campaign trail have failed to quell doubts about his ability to lead the party to victory. Biden's COVID-19 diagnosis has intensified concerns about his health and leadership, while the President has shown signs of frustration and denial, lashing out at those questioning his leadership. The calls for Biden to step down are growing louder, and the party's unity is fraying at the seams.
With reports of Biden possibly stepping down, Trump’s inability to keep his warmer, gentler tone might give Democrats a boost. The pressure is mounting as the Democratic convention approaches, and the party must decide whether to stick with Biden or find a new candidate who can unite their base. While the Republican convention exuded confidence, the Democrats' upcoming convention in Chicago risks resembling a wake rather than a rallying point.
The Republican Party's ability to maintain its unified front and the Democratic Party's struggle to find common ground and unify behind a leader, whether it be Biden or a new candidate, will likely dominate the race to November. In the end, unity—whether genuine or forced—will play a critical role in determining the outcome of this high-stakes election.
➤ 3 takeaways from J.D. Vance's big speech
It was an homage to Trump
He recollected growing up in a troubled family
He’s selling MAGA populism (Axios)
↪ Dig Deeper: Is J.D. Vance the real America Firster?
Donald Trump's Veep pick has a foreign policy vision that centers on isolationism, economic nationalism and protecting American workers (Cosmopolitics)
➤ Kai Trump, 17, Trump's granddaughter speaks at RNC: 'He’s just a normal grandpa'
Donald Trump’s granddaughter, Kai Trump, 17, made her political debut on stage at the Republican National Convention on Wednesday evening. “To me, he’s just a normal grandpa,” the daughter of Donald Trump, Jr. said, smiling during her political debut on stage in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. “He gives us candy and soda when our parents aren’t looking. He always wants to know how we’re doing in school.” (USA Today)
➤ New information revealed on Trump shooter’s interests but motive still unclear
The gunman who attempted to shoot Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday carried out internet searches before the attack for images of both Trump and Joe Biden, as well as the dates of both the current Republican National Convention and next month’s Democratic National Convention. Thomas Crooks, 20, was a registered Republican but had no known political ideology and had searched digitally for details of many public figures. (Guardian)
Dig Deeper:
↪ A blind spot and a lost trail: How the gunman got so close to Trump (New York Times)
↪ Misinformation and conspiracy theories swirl in wake of Trump assassination attempt (CBS News)
➤ 'We're close to the end': Biden world braces for the possibility that the president will step aside
There is now a palpable sense that the ground has shifted underneath Biden, according to five people with knowledge of the situation, even among some of the president’s most defiant internal backers who now believe the writing is on the wall. (NBC News)
Dig Deeper:
↪ Behind the Curtain: Top Dems now believe Biden will exit (Axios)
↪ Democratic Sources: Biden to Step Aside (Mark Halperin)
↪ Biden called ‘more receptive’ to hearing pleas to step aside (NY Times)
↪ Democrats making a fresh push for Biden to reconsider running in runup to their own party convention (AP)
➤ Biden tests positive for Covid, cancels speech in Las Vegas
The president, who was delivering speeches in Las Vegas, “is experiencing mild symptoms,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement. Biden “will be returning to Delaware where he will self-isolate and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time,” she said. (CNBC)
↪ Dig Deeper: How Risky Is COVID for an 81-Year-Old? (Atlantic)
🌎 Around the world
➤ Israel's Knesset votes overwhelmingly against Palestinian statehood as Netanyahu prepares for U.S. visit
The vote could signal that Israeli lawmakers have confidence that “the next president is going to be Donald Trump,” one analyst said. (NBC News)
Dig Deeper:
↪ Global court says Israel’s occupation of territories violates international law (New York Times)
↪ Israel bombards central Gaza as tanks advance deeper in Rafah (Reuters)
⭐ Gen Z in the Spotlight
➤ These influencers are helping the Republican National Convention reach the youth vote
The Republican National Convention is utilizing a new method to reach youth voters this week: more than 70 influencers. Youth Advisory Council Co-Chairs Brilyn Hollyhand, 18, and CJ Pearson, 21, spearheaded the effort. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
🍿 Culture
➤ Jack Black ends Tenacious D tour after bandmate’s Trump shooting comment
While onstage at a concert in Sydney on Sunday, Kyle Gass was presented with a birthday cake and asked to “make a wish” by Black. Gass responded, “Don’t miss Trump next time.” “I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form,” Black said in a Tuesday statement on Instagram. “After much reflection, I no longer feel it is appropriate to continue the Tenacious D tour, and all future creative plans are on hold. (AP)
➤ Trump ear bandages to MAGA dresses: Fashion at the RNC
From wearing ear bandages in solidarity with former President Trump in the wake of the failed attempt on his life to donning “Don’t Tread on Me” gowns, supporters of their party’s nominee are going all out at the Republican National Convention. (The Hill)
🙏 Thanks for reading!
We are looking forward to hearing from you as we build our community. Reply to this email, drop us a note here, or slide into our DMs on Substack with your thoughts. And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more news.