### Trump’s Shaping of the GOP: A Remarkable Show of Unity at the Republican National Convention
The Republican National Convention, held in Milwaukee, showcased a remarkable display of unity among former rivals who once criticized Donald Trump. This unity reflected how Trump has shaped the GOP in his image over the last decade. Eight years ago, one of Trump’s major primary rivals faced boos from the convention crowd when he declined to endorse Trump. However, on Tuesday night, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas opened his remarks with a shouted declaration of “God Bless Donald J. Trump!” This show of support from Cruz and other former rivals highlights the party’s unwavering backing of the former president.
The assassination attempt on Trump at his recent rally further solidified the party’s fervent support for him. Democrats, on the other hand, are grappling with internal divisions over whether President Joe Biden should continue his reelection bid after his disappointing debate performance. This stark contrast in party unity underscores the GOP’s unwavering commitment to Trump.
### Immigration as a Key Theme: Trump’s Influence on the GOP Base
One of the key themes highlighted during the convention was immigration, which has long been a cornerstone of Trump’s political brand. Trump’s strong stance on immigration played a significant role in endearing him to the GOP base during his first campaign in 2015. He has consistently criticized the unprecedented number of migrants entering the country illegally through the U.S.-Mexico border.
Although the numbers of unauthorized crossings have fallen since President Biden issued a rule suspending many asylum claims at the border, immigration remains a central issue for Republicans. Trump often cites examples of migrants who have committed heinous crimes and blames migration for drug trafficking, particularly drugs like fentanyl. However, it is worth noting that federal data suggests many people smuggling fentanyl across the border are U.S. citizens.
Some Republican speakers at the convention went beyond evidence-based claims, with unfounded assertions that migrants are entering the country to vote in the 2024 election. This rhetoric contributes to the ongoing polarization around immigration issues and underscores the importance of fact-checking and evidence-based policy-making.
### Blaming Biden and Harris: Republican Senate Candidates Take Aim at Democrats
Republican Senate candidates addressing the convention seized the opportunity to blame President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for the number of migrants crossing the border. Some candidates even suggested that Harris might replace Biden as the Democratic nominee following his poor debate performance.
These candidates, mindful of their own races, also sought to tie their Democratic opponents to Biden and Harris, emphasizing the need for stricter border control. By associating their opponents with the term “Biden-Harris-Casey wide open borders,” candidates like Pennsylvania’s David McCormick aimed to rally support among voters concerned about immigration.
Arizona’s Senate candidate, Kari Lake, appealed to the GOP base by criticizing the “fake news” and blaming Biden and Democrats for the situation on the U.S.-Mexico border. This messaging resonates with conservative voters who prioritize border security and view the media with skepticism.
### Security Concerns and Trump’s Resilience
In light of the recent assassination attempt on Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania, security was a prominent concern at the convention. Delegates inside the hall wore folded white pieces of paper over their ears as a tribute to the bandage Trump wore when he entered the hall on Monday. Trump himself arrived at the convention wearing the bandage again, emphasizing his resilience in the face of adversity.
Outside the convention, there were incidents that further highlighted security concerns. A man armed with an AK-47 pistol was taken into custody near the Fiserv Forum where the convention was being held. Additionally, five Ohio police officers shot and killed a man involved in a knife fight near the convention. These incidents underscored the heightened security measures in place and served as a reminder of the potential risks associated with such high-profile events.
### Anticipation for Trump’s Speech: A Shift in Rhetoric?
The final night of the convention is eagerly awaited, with Trump scheduled to deliver a speech. Pennsylvania Republican Party Chairman Lawrence Tabas expressed hope that the assassination attempt on Trump would lead to a more tempered tone in his remarks. Tabas believes that going through such an experience could change Trump’s message for the better and appeal to “better emotions.” This anticipation highlights the potential for a shift in Trump’s rhetoric, as his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., acknowledged spending hours with him to de-escalate some of his usual inflammatory language.
In conclusion, the Republican National Convention showcased a remarkable display of unity behind Donald Trump, highlighting how he has shaped the GOP in his image over the last decade. Immigration emerged as a key theme, with Republican candidates blaming Biden and Harris for the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border. Security concerns were also evident, given the recent assassination attempt on Trump and incidents outside the convention. As anticipation builds for Trump’s speech, there is hope for a shift in his rhetoric towards a more tempered tone.
