CLEVELAND – Republican delegates on Tuesday officially nominated former Atlantic City casino magnate Donald Trump for president. On Tuesday, they were also surprised that those who attended – including House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell – were given slots that preceded the 10 p.m. hour of primetime coverage on the major networks, while that key hour was filled by Trump’s offspring and actress Kimberlin Brown.
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With three of the candidate’s other children at his side, the younger Trump said: “It is my honour to be able to throw Donald Trump over the top in the delegate count tonight”.
Donald Jr.’s half sister Tiffany, 22, who has just graduated college and rarely appears on the campaign trail lifted the lid on her father’s personable side, calling him friendly, considerate, amusing and real.
Two former rivals who endorsed Trump early on – New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and neurosurgeon Ben Carson – will also speak.
“We don’t disqualify Hillary Clinton to be the president of the United States”, Christie said.
The night’s theme is “Make America Work Again”, and several businessmen, including Ultimate Fighting Championship Dana White and Andy Wist are speaking.
Trump’s campaign responded in a statement that said her “immigrant experience and love for America shone through in her speech”.
“I’m going to render a case on the facts against Hillary Rodham Clinton”, he continued.
Clinton was a key figure for the convention – one who is disdained by elements of the Republican Party that are at odds over Trump, and therefore perhaps the best hope for GOP unity as the week and the campaign progress.
But her well-received address was marred by two passages with similarities to a speech first lady Michelle Obama delivered at the 2008 Democratic convention.
Trump’s campaign did succeed in tamping down late efforts by dissident delegates to derail the convention, including during Tuesday’s roll call vote.
If the conduct of the convention to date is any guide, then clearly Trump has embraced the challenging notion that he can win by making the election a referendum on Hillary Clinton.
Playing off the crowd at one point, Christie replied, “Alright, alright, we’re getting there”.
That explained why Republicans could vote for Trump instead of against Clinton.
“Is she guilty or not guilty”, he repeatedly asked.
Donald Trump Sr. may be a short-fingered vulgarian, a compulsive liar, multiple bankrupt, and serial philanderer.
Trump Jr. said that his father ensured that his children learned from blue collar workers “with a doctorate in common sense”. “We have a man who understands the frustrations and the aspirations of our fellow citizens”, Christie said of Trump. He called Kasich “petulant” and “embarrassing” for not endorsing Trump or attending the convention, drawing quick condemnation from other GOP leaders anxious about angering the popular governor of one of the most important election states.
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“From a young age, my parents impressed on me the values that you work hard for what you want in life, that your word is your bond and you do what you say and keep your promise, that you treat people with respect”, Melania Trump said, largely lifting from Obama’s remarks.
