On the third day of the U.S. Republican National Convention, the 17th (local time), J.D. Vance, the vice presidential candidate chosen as 'Trump's running mate,' will take center stage. He will stand on the Republican National Convention podium for the first time in his life to officially accept the vice presidential nomination and introduce his personal growth story.
According to CNN, the Republican National Convention currently underway at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is being held under the theme "Make America Strong Once Again," focusing on foreign policy, border, and security issues.
The keynote speaker during prime time is Vice Presidential candidate Vance, who is considered the main highlight. On this day, known as the so-called "Night of the Vice President," he will deliver a speech on the convention stage for about 20 minutes for the first time ever. CNN reported, "Vance, from Ohio, is attending the convention and delivering a speech for the first time," adding that "Vance is not just a simple running mate but a clear successor," according to Republican officials.
The introduction speech for keynote speaker Vance will be given by his wife, Usha Vance, an Indian-American attorney. They are expected to take the stage after 11 a.m. Korean time on the 18th. Vance's mother is also reported to attend the event and will sit in the same VIP box as former President Donald Trump.
Vance's vice presidential speech is confirmed to focus on his personal growth journey. Born into a low-income family in the Rust Belt, he experienced cycles of poverty and family breakdown but managed to graduate from Yale University and become a lawyer, businessman, and politician. His growth story is also known through his autobiography, "Hillbilly Elegy."
The New York Times (NYT) evaluated that "this could be a political asset in swing states such as Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, where former President Trump lost in 2020." CNN also predicted that he could appeal to Rust Belt and suburban women voters. The Guardian cited an AP-NORC poll, stating that most of the public does not know much about Vance, so this will serve as an introduction to him.
Among the speakers on this day, there are also passionate Trump supporters. Peter Navarro, former White House director known as "Trump's economic strategist," who was sentenced to four months in prison for refusing to cooperate with the congressional investigation into the January 6 Capitol riot, was released from prison and attended the event. When he took the stage, the audience gave a standing ovation and shouted "Fight!" Navarro said, "I came out of the federal prison in Miami this morning," adding, "Joe Biden and his unjust department put me there." He raised his voice, saying, "They did not break me, and they will never break former President Trump."
Texas Governor Greg Abbott claimed that President Joe Biden has neglected his duty to protect the border. He said, "America needs a president who will protect the border. We need Donald Trump," explaining that he took measures such as bus transportation and border fencing to stop illegal immigrants crossing the border. Doug Burgum, Governor of North Dakota, who was once mentioned as a vice presidential candidate, described working under the Trump administration as "having a beautiful wind at our backs," while under the Biden administration, "it felt like a strong wind blowing in our faces." When he shouted, "Who will make America an energy powerhouse?" the crowd responded with "Trump."
In addition, before the Vance couple, Donald Trump Jr., former President Trump's son, will take the podium. Kimberly Guilfoyle, a TV host and Donald Trump Jr.'s fianc?e, is also included in the list of speakers. Former President Trump, who has been attending the convention daily with a bandage on his ear after being shot, had not yet arrived at the venue as of 9:50 a.m. Korean time. He is expected to appear during the final time slot when the main speakers take the stage. He is scheduled to deliver his acceptance speech the following day, the 18th.
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