Donald Trump, man of mystery.
He’s built skyscrapers in the middle of Manhattan, written one of the best-selling business books of all time, had his personal and professional tribulations relentlessly tracked for decades by the New York City tabloids, was a regular on Howard Stern’s radio show, played himself in sitcoms such as “Sex and the City,” presided over the cable hit “The Apprentice,” hosted Saturday Night Live,” flirted with presidential bids numerous times, and then attracted record crowds at his campaign rallies and a record number of votes on his way to the Republican presidential nomination.
The problem, as Republican strategists see it here, is that too few people know who Donald Trump is.
That was a clear theme of campaign manager Paul Manafort’s remarks to the media Monday, hours before the convention to officially make Mr. Trump the party nominee opened.
The presence of so many Trumps on the speaking roster this week, including a much-anticipated address by wife Melania Trump in a prime speaking slot Monday night, are meant to fill in the blanks — and clear up the misconceptions — surrounding the surprise nominee.
A main purpose of the convention is to “present a picture of Donald Trump that is broader … that that developed for the primary season,” Mr. Manafort said.
The billionaire real estate developer and reality TV star is “known from a topical standpoint,” but because he is not a conventional politician, Mr. Trump “is really not well known when you get into the components of his biography.”
• David R. Sands can be reached at dsands@washingtontimes.com.
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