OPINION:
MILWAUKEE — Within a veritable armed camp — surrounded by steel fences, concrete barriers and well-armed law enforcement officers — Republicans are having a Grand Old Party on the shores of Lake Michigan. Milwaukee’s denizens were cheerful hosts, eager for political and journalistic guests to savor their excellent beer, barbecue and beautiful buildings. From tax-reform debates to the Log Cabin Republicans’ soiree for gay right-wingers in an art-filled, waterside castle, one first-time conventioneer perfectly captured the entire scene: “CPAC on crack.”
Five things have stood out amid the hoopla, bonhomie and steadily improving weather.
First is that former President Donald Trump was there at all. Everyone marvels at what a narrow escape he endured at the hands of a gunman just two days before the Republican National Convention. The bandaged former president’s entry into the Fiserve Forum on Monday night swelled emotions, from the adoration of his supporters to admiration for his seemingly infinite strength.
Observers described Mr. Trump’s demeanor as “reserved,” “subdued” and even “solemn.” While his signature bravado might return in full force and he appeared cheerier last week, there’s little doubt that even a man of Mr. Trump’s abundant confidence must have been rocked to his core after coming within a pinkie’s width of never again seeing his family, friends and fans.
Secondly, unlike previous party platforms, this year’s manifesto is less a book than a brochure. It treats brevity as a virtue and is designed for laymen to read, not for wonks to dissect — not that there’s anything wrong with that!
“Our party’s platform pledges seven times to cut regulations that are killing our jobs and costing you thousands of dollars,” Platform Committee chairwoman and Sen. Marsha Blackburn, Tennessee Republican, told the convention. “Joe Biden and Kamala Harris outsourced our energy supply, driving electricity prices up over 29%. The day Joe Biden and Kamala Harris walked into office, gas was $2.40 a gallon on average. Today, it’s $3.54. Our platform says we will make America energy dominant!”
Third, Mr. Trump’s selection of freshman Sen. J.D. Vance, Ohio Republican, as his running mate stirred polite applause from those I interviewed. A Vice President Vance, who would be just 40 when he would take the oath of office, would represent a classic passing of the torch to a new generation — at least once Mr. Trump transfers it. The Iraq War veteran is also quick-witted and eloquent.
Still, numerous participants seemed puzzled why Mr. Trump did not select someone who could throw a key state into play (such as Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin or former Rep. Lee Zeldin of New York, who could also rally Jewish voters), solidify Republican gains among Hispanics (Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida), or expand the GOP’s appeal among Blacks and muffle Democrats’ relentless shrieks of “Racism!” (Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina).
The bearded Mr. Vance does none of the above. But he is Mr. Trump’s man, and that’s good enough for most Republicans.
Fourth, last week’s prime-time endorsements of Mr. Trump and warm words about him from former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis dramatized the total unity that the GOP now enjoys. Mr. Trump’s former rivals are now allies, and their backers will follow them onto the Trump train, if they have not boarded already.
What a contrast with the Democratic Party! Its cinematically rich infighting should be titled “Throw Poppa From the Train.”
Finally, Mr. Trump’s battle cry has been updated slightly and cleverly. A huge sign inside Fiserv Forum read: “Make America Great Once Again.”
The last two words subtly remind voters how great America was in Mr. Trump’s first three years before COVID-19 ruined everything. Mr. Trump delivered a tight southern border, record-high tax cuts, record-low unemployment, energy dominance, falling crime, rising school-choice options, four Middle East peace agreements and zero new wars.
Securing four more years of such triumphs is no pipe dream. Donald Trump and his conservative policies fueled all of this and more. And with the consent of the American people, they will do so once again.
• Deroy Murdock is a Manhattan-based Fox News contributor.
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