Editor's Note: Dear Loyal Townhall reader, this is a free preview of my weekly VIP column. Join Townhall VIP today to get exclusive access to this special weekly column, and support Townhall's conservative reporting and commentary directly. Use promo code MAGA24 to get 60% off your membership! You'll also get a fully ad-free experience, access to comments, and much more!
The 2024 Republican National Convention has come to a close and there’s one thing for sure, the Grand Old Party knows how to have fun and throw a blowout.
After being in Milwaukee for five days, watching delegates in America-themed outfits and MAGA hats dancing with joy in the arena aisles, I can unequivocally say Republicans are more united in their quest to not only send former President Donald J. Trump back to the White House but to save America from its decline.
On Saturday, less than 48 hours before the RNC was to kick off in Wisconsin, President Trump walked to a lectern on a stage in Butler, Pennsylvania. Just minutes into his remarks, shots were fired, hitting him in the ear. Onlookers saw him grab the side of his head and go down, taking everyone's breath away.
But then, surrounded by Secret Service agents trying to get him to safety, Trump defiantly stood up. With blood streaming across his face, he lifted his fist and said, “Fight, Fight, Fight!”
After he was treated at the hospital, Trump declared the show would go on. And it did indeed.
As delegates, onlookers, elected officials and the press touched down at the Fiserv Forum, the build-up to Trump’s vice presidential choice was palpable. Trump’s decision went down to the wire with just hours to spare on Monday.
“After lengthy deliberation and thought, and considering the tremendous talents of many others, I have decided that the person best suited to assume the position of Vice President of the United States is Senator J.D. Vance of the Great State of Ohio. J.D. honorably served our Country in the Marine Corps, graduated from Ohio State University in two years, Summa Cum Laude, and is a Yale Law School Graduate, where he was Editor of The Yale Law Journal, and President of the Yale Law Veterans Association,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “J.D.’s book, ‘Hillbilly Elegy,’ became a Major Best Seller and Movie, as it championed the hardworking men and women of our Country. J.D. has had a very successful business career in Technology and Finance, and now, during the Campaign, will be strongly focused on the people he fought so brilliantly for, the American Workers and Farmers in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Minnesota, and far beyond.”
Trump 2024 signage was quickly converted to Trump/Vance, including on the notorious Trump Force One plane — which is used by the campaign. There was no grumbling from those who preferred a different choice. In fact, those who had lobbied and debated for other candidates behind the scenes jumped on board, immediately congratulating JD on the promotion.
“Senator @JDVance1 has one of the most compelling stories in American politics, overcoming so much adversity in life,” Republican Senator Lindsey Graham posted on X. “He understands the struggles of working Americans, as he has walked in their shoes and has become one of their best champions. Bright, articulate, and a Marine veteran, he will serve President Trump well on the campaign trail. It is imperative we win this election to end the disastrous policies of the Biden Administration and Make America Great Again. J.D. is a hard worker with a beautiful family who will be a great spokesperson for the America First agenda. This is a clear choice for America.”
In the days following, convention goers and those watching from afar on their television or phone screens heard from everyday Americans deeply affected by Biden’s disastrous policies. This included Anne Fundner, a mother whose son died after being poisoned by fentanyl. The families of the 13 U.S. service members who were killed in Afghanistan and greeted at Dover by Biden checking his watch, were honored. Loved ones of those murdered by illegal aliens sent into the country by the Biden administration had their voices amplified and the names of the slain recognized. Cultural icons Kid Rock, Hulk Hogan and UFC President Dana White brought down the house. Trump’s granddaughter, Kai Trump, took the stage to remind the world who her grandfather really is — a strong contrast to Biden, who continues to ignore the existence of his granddaughter Navy Joan Roberts (Biden).
And then finally, President Trump made his way to the stage on the final night of the big show. With his entire family looking on – including the striking Melania Trump – Trump took the stage with a bandaged ear and declared, “I will tell you exactly what happened, and you’ll never hear it from me a second time, because it’s actually too painful to tell.”
Under bright lights, he entered the stage with the uniform of 50-year-old firefighter Corey Comperatore, which he walked over to and gave a kiss.
“He was incredible. Yeah. He was a highly respected former fire chief. Respected by everybody. Was accompanied by his wife, Helen. Incredible woman. I spoke to her today. Devastated. And two precious daughters. He lost his life selflessly acting as a human shield to protect them from flying bullets. He went right over the top of them and was hit. What a fine man he was,” Trump said.
After recounting the horror, he moved on to the issues facing the American people and spoke for nearly 90 minutes. Again, presenting a stamina contrast with the current commander-in-chief.
“Friends, delegates and fellow citizens, I stand before you this evening with a message of confidence, strength and hope. Four months from now, we will have an incredible victory, and we will begin the four greatest years in the history of our country. Together, we will launch a new era of safety, prosperity and freedom for citizens of every race, religion, color and creed,” he said. “The discord and division in our society must be healed. We must heal it quickly. As Americans, we are bound together by a single fate and a shared destiny. We rise together. Or we fall apart. I am running to be president for all of America, not half of America, because there is no victory in winning for half of America.”
After the conclusion of his remarks, Trump was joined by his family as they watched red, white, blue and gold balloons descend from the sky.
The convention was a wild success. Even the leftists in the media are admitting it. While Democrats are desperately trying to stage a coup against the sitting president, Republicans are moving forward to November and they plan to win.