The atmosphere at the Republican National Convention was described as “explosive beyond expectations,” with voters and delegates fervently celebrating Trump’s strong image following the assassination attempt.
This past weekend, former President Donald Trump faced a life-or-death moment when a bullet from an assassin grazed his right ear as he was speaking at a campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump was swiftly escorted from the scene by the Secret Service, but not before raising his fist to the sky and shouting “fight,” amidst the cheers of his supporters.
This failed assassination attempt and Trump’s defiant gesture have galvanized the Republican National Convention, filling attendees with a powerful conviction that their party is headed for a resounding victory in November.
For many of Trump’s ardent supporters, his miraculous survival on July 13 is the latest proof that their hero is invincible and that his return to the White House is inevitable.
Forgiato Blow, a 39-year-old rapper from Tampa, proudly displayed a custom-designed T-shirt featuring an iconic image of Trump raising his fist along with the words, “Impeached, arrested, convicted, and shot, but still standing.”
“He’s prepared for all of it. He’s used to this. They’ve been trying to take down Trump for years. What they think will harm him only helps him gain more votes. Indictments or assassination attempts, it’s all the same,” Blow stated.
The uniqueness of this year’s Republican National Convention lies in a strong belief in divine intervention among many attendees. They see Trump’s survival as a testament to God’s intervention.
The gap between a memorial service and the national convention was less than a centimeter,” said Republican Senator Steve Daines, adding that Trump survived thanks to “the protection and grace of God.
During an Iowa delegation event in Milwaukee on July 16, Republican National Committee member Tamara Scott likened the image of Trump raising his fist after being shot to the iconic photo of U.S. Marines raising the flag on Iwo Jima during World War II.
“They are very similar,” Scott remarked.
Republican Representative Jim Banks, who is running for the Senate, said the convention’s atmosphere “exceeded anything we could have imagined.” Banks emphasized that Trump “will win overwhelmingly, and now he is a symbol. He is perhaps something greater than just a president or a presidential candidate.”
Emotions reached a peak when Trump made an appearance to thunderous applause on the evening of July 15, his first public event since the assassination attempt.
“He walked into the hall with a bandage on his ear. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like this in politics before. The energy was incredible,” said Representative Jim Jordan.
In a show of solidarity, a wave of delegates and attendees sported makeshift bandages crafted from paper or tape on their right ears, mimicking Trump’s recent injury. “This is the latest fashion trend,” quipped Joe Neglia, a delegate from Arizona.
Matt Bumala, a 38-year-old delegate from Washington, couldn’t shake the thought of how close Trump came to losing his life. “We are lucky he’s still here. This convention would have been entirely different. We are grateful he’s alive and well,” he said.
Bumala expressed renewed optimism about the upcoming November election following last month’s debate between Trump and President Joe Biden. Now, his energy and hope are at an all-time high.
We all firmly believe he is destined to win. You never know what might happen, but it would be shocking if he didn’t secure the victory,” Bumala stated.
For Trump, this convention is a moment of unity. On the night of July 16, he welcomed former rivals as he made another appearance to listen to speeches by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, both of whom had vehemently criticized him not long ago.
In her address on the second day of the convention, Haley, who once declared Trump unfit for office, urged the Republican Party to rally behind the former president “for the sake of our country,” taking aim at Biden’s foreign policy and immigration decisions.
“You don’t have to agree with Trump 100% to vote for him. Listen to me. I haven’t always agreed with President Trump, but we align far more than we differ,” Haley stated.
“I am thrilled Nikki Haley spoke tonight. I believe it’s exactly what we need right now. We must be completely united,” said Jeff Kaufmann, the Republican Party chairman in Iowa.
Florida Governor DeSantis, who had previously withdrawn from the Republican nomination race, emphasized that Trump deserves the party’s support after facing lawsuits, indictments, and an assassination attempt.
“We cannot let him down. And we cannot let America down,” DeSantis proclaimed.
Though it remains uncertain how the attempted assassination of Trump will impact the race for the White House, some political analysts suggest it will bolster his chances, especially given the incident occurred in Pennsylvania, a crucial battleground state in the election.
For months, Trump has led Biden in most polls, both nationally and in key swing states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan—three states that supported Biden in the 2020 election.
Despite previous criticisms and doubts, Republicans in Milwaukee are united in their belief in Trump’s “greatness.”
“Just as President Trump raised his fist and shouted, now is the time for us to fight, and we will fight,” said U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson.
