(Milwaukee) Donald Trump made another triumphant appearance at the Republican convention in Milwaukee on Tuesday, during an evening that saw his former rivals, one after another, publicly support him and swear loyalty to him.
Like the day before, his ear still covered with a bandage, the 78-year-old candidate triggered thunderous applause and a standing ovation upon arriving in the immense sports hall which, for four days, hosts the high mass of the Grand Old Party.
Without speaking but clearly enjoying the moment, three days after surviving gunfire at a campaign rally, Mr. Trump sat down in the VIP box surrounded by his lieutenants. He took his place next to J.D. Vance, the atypical senator he chose to second him in the campaign.
From there, seeming less tense than 24 hours earlier, he watched with delight as a carefully ordered ballet alternated between the figures of the party he defeated in the primaries, first and foremost Nikki Haley, on the podium.
PHOTO HAIYUN JIANG, THE NEW YORK TIMES
Former Republican candidate Nikki Haley
The former South Carolina governor, who for months warned the country of “the chaos” that a return of Donald Trump to the White House would cause, was clear: “Donald Trump has my strong support, period!” she said.
Two other former rivals of the billionaire, who have also tried to challenge his grip on the party, with little hope of success, have also pledged allegiance.
Allegiance
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy eulogized a smiling Donald Trump, relishing the grand display of unity behind his persona.
The other speakers that evening were anonymous Americans, selected because they had lost a loved one killed by an illegal migrant or by a fentanyl overdose.
PHOTO ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Staff put up a Trump-Vance campaign sign during the second day of the Republican National Convention.
They have issued vibrant calls to oust Joe Biden from the White House, directly accusing him of these tragic deaths.
Among the thousands of activists who have flocked to Milwaukee, the fervor is undiminished.
“Trump has a willpower that I have not seen in any other human being. He is fantastic. I believe he is protected by our prayers and the love we have for him. And he looks healthy. He exudes strength,” enthuses Connie Davie, an ardent activist.
Reassured about the unity of the Republican Party and having obtained the full support of the delegates on Monday, Donald Trump announced that he would be returning to the campaign trail with a rally on Saturday in the state of Michigan, exactly one week after the shootings that targeted him.
By then he will deliver a speech on Thursday accepting his nomination as the official Republican candidate, during a spectacular party closing the convention.
“The largest mosquito in the world”
The former business tycoon also launched a campaign this week to win votes outside his party. He called on independent candidate Robert Kennedy Jr. to drop out of the race and support him against Joe Biden.
The anti-vaccine activist – nephew of assassinated President JFK – has however refused to throw in the towel.
A video of the conversation between the two men leaked on social media Tuesday morning.
PHOTO BRIAN SNYDER, REUTERS
Former President Donald Trump and his future vice president if he wins the presidential election, JD Vance
Donald Trump is heard discussing the shootings that targeted him Saturday during his rally in Pennsylvania.
It’s like being bitten by “the world’s biggest mosquito!” he says.