RECAP: Donald Trump speaks at Republican National Convention as calls mount for Joe Biden to pull out
To say there’s a lot going on in US politics right now would be a huge understatement.
Former President Donald Trump has spoken at the Republican National Conference in a speech that was exactly what Trump supporters would have been hoping to hear.
His speech, on night four of the RNC in Milwaukee, followed a shocking assassination attempt on Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.
The shooting, which killed one audience member and resulted in the death of the perpetrator, Thomas Matthew Crooks, turned the election campaign on its head.
Joe Biden had been facing increasing pressure to step down as the Democratic candidate following a miserable performance in the first presidential debate.
Those calls have continued to intensify in recent days, with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi coming out this morning (Australian time) to say that she expects Biden can be persuaded to step down fairly soon.
Recap the highlights — and lowlights — from the RNC below.
Key Events
Kid Rock is taking to the stage now
This is not a joke.
Ironically, he’s walked onto the stage to the opening notes of Metallica’s Sad But True.
He is absolutely butchering this song. This is a dark day for music lovers everywhere.
Melania Trump adored by crowd
Could we be looking at the next First Lady?
Hulk Hogan photographs
Some great shots of the iconic wrestler hamming it up on stage from Bloomberg.
Intermission
The RNC pauses for a quick break before UFC boss Dana White is scheduled to speak.
That was quite a speech from Eric Trump. The momentum has definitely shifted in this campaign.
One of the words that was used repeatedly was “strength” or “strong”. This is clearly a strategic push to paint Trump as strong while Biden is coming across as the opposite.
Surviving an assassination attempt? That’s about as strong as you can get.
Eric Trump finishes on an emotional note
“As a son, I’ve never been more proud of a person in my life,” he said.
“A man who survived a bullet that was intended to eliminate him from our future and from our family.
“Never have I been more proud to be a Trump.
“Never have I been more proud to stand by my father’s aside.”
He takes a moment to address his father directly.
“Dad, by the grace of God ... you survived (the assassination attempt).”
“You are the greatest fighter I have ever seen. You are strong, you are full of life and you are unapologetic.
“The whole world saw your strength as you stood up. You wiped the blood off your face and you put your fist in the air in a moment that will be remembered as one of the most courageous acts in the history of politics.
“You shouted ‘Fight fight fight!’”
The crowd joins him in chanting that word repeatedly.
“I’m honoured to be your son. You are a true leader. You epitomise strength. Our country loves you. Our country appreciates you. Our country missed you and on November 5th our country will elect you as the 47th President of the Unite States of America.”
Eric Trump ticks off everything that is wrong with the world
“He is not a threat to democracy, he is a threat to those who despise our republic.
“Today, as it was in 2016 America’s at that crossroads again.
He lists a bunch of issues, from the Middle East, to inflation, to the fentanyl overdose crisis, to transgender people in sport.
“Male athletes, guys my height - six foot five - are swimming in women’s sports, destroying the chances of young girls everywhere.”
The crowd responds with boos.
Eric Trump: ‘My father has been censored’
“The former president ripped from Facebook, Instagram and Twitter while terrorists are allowed to continue.
“My father even became the target of an assassin who almost killed the single greatest hope of America’s future.
“The Swamp is terrified ... of this movement.
“They’ve tried everything to keep him from you. They have failed and they will not win.”
Eric lists Trump’s achievements
Including the extraordinary claim that “there was peace in the Middle East” during Trump’s time in office.
Not sure that one will stand up to the fact checkers.
Eric Trump takes lectern
Donald Trump’s son Eric has now stepped up to speak.
He is talking about a conversation his father had with his family eight years ago
“My father was clear it would not be easy. That there would be a huge price to play.
“The efforts to sabotage him. To drag him through ever radical left courthouse in America. To take his life.
“He stood tall by a profound love for his country.
“That man is the 45th and soon-to-be 47th President of the United States. That man is Donald J Trump.”
Eric Trump pauses to chants of “four more years”.
Franklin Graham speaking now
The conference has taken an evangelical turn with the appearance of Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
He is leading a prayer now, asking for prayers for Trump, his family, for JD Vance and a whole host of other things.
