NEWS AND OPINION:
And so it starts: Former President Donald Trump and vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance will deliver remarks at a 5 p.m. Saturday rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, according to their campaign.
“This will be President Trump and Sen. Vance’s first rally after officially accepting the Republican nomination for president and vice president. The people of Michigan have suffered greatly thanks to Joe Biden’s failed policies. With inflation in Michigan at almost 20%, families are paying $980 more per month for everyday goods. If Biden is reelected, his proposed tax hikes will cost the average taxpayer in Michigan an additional $2,054 per year in taxes,” the campaign said in a written statement shared with Inside the Beltway.
“President Biden’s open border and pro-criminal policies are putting the great people of Michigan in danger as the Fentanyl Epidemic results in a staggering 31% increase in opioid overdose deaths. Hard-working Michiganders are paying the ultimate price for Joe Biden’s woke agenda,” the statement said.
“Joe Biden’s failed policies have left a path of death, and destruction in Michigan. President Trump will ease the financial pressures placed on households and re-establish law and order in Michigan! We can Make America Great Again by tackling lawlessness head-on, ceasing the endless flow of illegal immigrants across our southern border, and reversing the detrimental effects of inflation by restoring the American people’s wealth,” it concluded.
VANCE’S VOW
The aforementioned J.D. Vance has a message for those who support former President Donald Trump and his quest to return to the White House. Mr. Vance has some promises and vows “to the entire MAGA movement.”
Here they are, delivered in a campaign message and verbatim from the source — capital letters, exclamation points and all:
“I promise I will never stop campaigning. I won’t be outworked. I won’t stop until President Trump is back in the White House,” Mr. Vance said in a written statement shared with Inside the Beltway.
“I promise I’ll take on the Fake News media who hate our country. I won’t let them lie about you, me, or President Trump,” he continued. “I promise I will NEVER turn my back on President Trump. With his leadership, I know we will Make America Great Again. And most importantly, I promise that WE WILL WIN! With you, me, and President Trump on the same side, nothing will stop us. We will Make America Great Again!” Mr. Vance concluded.
WISDOM FROM THE BRONX
The Bronx County Conservative Party in New York is still thinking about the attempted assassination of Donald Trump at a rally this past Saturday in Pennsylvania.
“Throughout this election cycle, there have been relentless efforts to cancel him, remove him from the election process, prosecute him, and now, tragically, an attempt to assassinate him. Yet, he has emerged stronger each time, demonstrating resilience and fortitude,” the Conservative Party branch said in a written statement shared with Inside the Beltway.
“Our prayers and heartfelt condolences go out to the families affected by this tragic event. We are profoundly grateful that President Trump was not seriously hurt and eagerly anticipate his swift return to the campaign trail. His perseverance in the face of adversity fuels our determination and commitment to his presidential victory. When President Trump stood up, fist-pumped, and addressed the people, the spirit of all Americans was uplifted,” said Patrick McManus, chairman of the county party, also in a written statement.
TOPIC OF THE DAY
Thursday marks the end of the four-day Republican National Convention, which has proved to be a dynamic event with plenty of teachable moments and patriotism. Each day had its own theme, addressing economic concerns on opening day, followed by public safety and border concerns on Tuesday and national security and global challenges on Wednesday.
The final day’s theme is “Make America Great Once Again,” according to the Republican National Committee. Here’s what’s on the agenda, verbatim according to the committee schedule:
“President Donald J. Trump will usher in a new golden age for America. At home and abroad, America’s standing will be restored. American families will once again experience prosperity, safety and strength. Our decaying and decrepit cities and communities will experience a resurgence. Americans will once again have reason to harbor hope and optimism for the future of our country. President Trump will make America great once again!” the official description said.
FOXIFIED
Fox News outpaced its news rivals for coverage of the Republican National Convention, drawing an audience of 6.9 million on Monday’s first night, according to data from Nielsen Media Research. MSNBC, in contrast, attracted 1.4 million and CNN 1 million.
That same evening Sean Hannity’s exclusive interview with Republican vic -presidential candidate J.D. Vance delivered an audience of 6.1 million.
There were huge audiences just about everywhere, according to the numbers. Besides the “Hannity” numbers, “Jesse Watters Primetime” and “The Five” each drew 5.5 million viewers, while “Special Report With Bret Baier” enjoyed an audience of 4.5 million and the clever late-night fare of “Gutfeld” got 3.6 million.
And a few more numbers: In the week of July 8-14, Fox News attracted an average of 3.9 million prime-time viewers, while 2.1 million viewers tuned in throughout the day.
As to the breaking news coverage of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump on Saturday, Fox News Channel had an average audience of 6.9 million viewers, peaking during the 8 p.m. Eastern time hour anchored by Shannon Bream and Bill Hemmer, with 7.7 million viewers.
POLL DU JOUR
• 89% of registered U.S. voters are concerned about threats to personal rights and freedoms.
• 88% are concerned about the nation’s economy.
• 85% are concerned about health care.
• 83% cite threats to free and fair elections.
• 79% cite taxes.
• 79% cite higher crime rates.
• 71% cite the U.S. Supreme Court.
• 70% cite abortion policy.
• 69% cite the war between Israel and Hamas.
• 69% cite Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
• 62% cite climate change.
SOURCE: A Fox News poll of 1,20 registered U.S. voters conducted July 7-10 and released Sunday.
• Follow Jennifer Harper on X @HarperBulletin, on Facebook at HarperUniverse.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.
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