DiscoverThe DailyAt the Republican Convention, Trump Achieves Mythical Status
At the Republican Convention, Trump Achieves Mythical Status

At the Republican Convention, Trump Achieves Mythical Status

Update: 2024-07-197
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The Republican National Convention unfolded with a focus on Donald Trump's acceptance speech, showcasing a unified party behind him. The convention's narrative centered around Trump's resilience following an assassination attempt, portraying him as a compassionate unifier. However, the convention's message was overshadowed by the ongoing turmoil within the Democratic Party, with prominent figures like Chuck Schumer, Nancy Pelosi, and Hakeem Jeffries calling for Joe Biden to step down as the nominee. This internal conflict within the Democratic Party, fueled by Biden's recent debate performance and declining poll numbers, could significantly alter the race if Biden decides to withdraw. Trump's speech, while initially aiming for a unifying tone, ultimately reverted to his familiar campaign style, focusing on attacks against his opponents and emphasizing his own record. Despite the potential for a shift in the race, Trump currently enjoys a strong lead in the polls and a unified party behind him, giving him a significant advantage in the upcoming election.

Outlines

00:00:00
Defining Matter of Opinion

This Chapter begins with the hosts of the podcast, Matter of Opinion, discussing how they would describe their podcast. They engage in a light-hearted debate, with some suggesting it's a civilized exchange of ideas, while others describe it as an airing of grievances. They ultimately agree that it's somewhere in between.

00:00:19
Listener Feedback

This Chapter delves into listener feedback on the podcast, highlighting a comment from Tobias who praises Matter of Opinion for its engaging discussions on social issues and politics. He particularly appreciates the light-hearted yet testy nature of the conversations, which pique his interest.

00:00:59
The Republican National Convention: Trump's Triumphant Return

This Chapter focuses on the Republican National Convention, where Donald Trump accepted his party's nomination. The chapter highlights the dramatic reveal of Trump's running mate, JD Vance, and Trump's first public appearance since the assassination attempt on his life. The chapter also explores the convention's narrative, which centered around Trump's resilience and his ability to save America. Speakers emphasized the divine intervention that saved Trump's life, suggesting that God had a plan for him to lead the country.

00:15:30
Biden's Nomination in Jeopardy

This Chapter examines the growing doubts among prominent Democrats about Joe Biden's candidacy. The chapter highlights the concerns expressed by former President Obama and Congressman Jamie Raskin, who both believe that Biden should withdraw from the race. The chapter also explores the impact of Biden's recent debate performance and the declining poll numbers on the Democratic Party's standing.

00:18:54
Trump's Acceptance Speech: A Mixed Bag

This Chapter analyzes Donald Trump's acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention. The chapter explores the speech's initial attempt to present a unifying message, contrasting with Trump's usual campaign style. The chapter also examines the speech's shift towards more familiar rhetoric, including attacks on his opponents and claims of election fraud. The chapter concludes by discussing the potential impact of the speech on the election and the missed opportunity to reach out to undecided voters.

Keywords

Republican National Convention


The Republican National Convention is a quadrennial event held by the Republican Party to formally nominate its presidential and vice-presidential candidates. It is a major event in the American political calendar, attracting national attention and media coverage. The convention typically features speeches from prominent party members, including the presidential and vice-presidential nominees, as well as platform debates and other events.

Donald Trump


Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021. He is a controversial figure known for his outspoken views, business ventures, and reality television appearances. Trump's presidency was marked by significant political and social divisions, as well as a number of scandals and controversies. He is currently running for president again in the 2024 election.

Joe Biden


Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. is an American politician who served as the 46th president of the United States from 2021 to 2023. He previously served as the 47th vice president from 2009 to 2017 under President Barack Obama. Biden is a member of the Democratic Party and has a long history of public service, having served in the United States Senate from 1973 to 2009. He is known for his moderate political views and his ability to build consensus across party lines.

Assassination Attempt


An assassination attempt is a deliberate act intended to kill a prominent individual, often a political leader or public figure. Assassination attempts can be carried out by individuals, groups, or governments. They are often motivated by political, religious, or personal reasons. Assassination attempts can have a significant impact on the political landscape, as they can lead to instability, fear, and a change in power dynamics.

Secret Service


The United States Secret Service is a federal law enforcement agency responsible for protecting the President of the United States, the Vice President, their families, and other high-ranking government officials. The Secret Service also investigates financial crimes, such as counterfeiting and identity theft. The agency has a long history of protecting the President and other dignitaries, and it is considered one of the most elite law enforcement agencies in the world.

Democratic Party


The Democratic Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States. It is generally considered to be center-left on the political spectrum, advocating for social justice, economic equality, and environmental protection. The Democratic Party has a long history in the United States, dating back to the early 19th century. It has been the dominant party in American politics for much of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Election Denialism


Election denialism is the belief that an election was stolen or rigged, despite evidence to the contrary. It is often used to delegitimize the results of an election and to undermine public trust in democratic institutions. Election denialism can be fueled by political partisanship, conspiracy theories, and a lack of faith in the electoral process. It can have a significant impact on the political landscape, as it can lead to violence, unrest, and a decline in democratic norms.

Swing Voters


Swing voters are voters who are not consistently loyal to one political party and may vote for different candidates in different elections. They are often considered to be the most important group of voters in close elections, as they can determine the outcome of the race. Swing voters are typically located in swing states, which are states that are not consistently won by one party or the other. They are often influenced by a variety of factors, including the candidates' positions on key issues, the state of the economy, and the overall political climate.

Big Tent


In politics, a "big tent" party is a political party that embraces a wide range of ideologies and viewpoints. This approach aims to attract a broad base of support by accommodating diverse perspectives within the party. The term "big tent" is often used to describe parties that are not ideologically rigid and are willing to compromise to achieve their goals. Big tent parties can be seen as a way to build a strong coalition and to appeal to a wider range of voters.

OnlyFans


OnlyFans is a subscription-based social media platform that allows creators to monetize their content by charging fans for access. It is known for its adult content, but also hosts creators from a variety of niches, including fitness, music, and gaming. OnlyFans has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly among creators who are looking to build a direct relationship with their fans and to earn a living from their content.

Q&A

  • What was the main narrative of the Republican National Convention?

    The convention's narrative centered around Donald Trump's resilience following an assassination attempt, portraying him as a compassionate unifier who is divinely chosen to save America.

  • What were the key concerns raised by prominent Democrats about Joe Biden's candidacy?

    Prominent Democrats, including former President Obama and Congressman Jamie Raskin, expressed concerns about Biden's recent debate performance and declining poll numbers, suggesting that he should withdraw from the race.

  • How did Trump's acceptance speech differ from his usual campaign style?

    Trump's speech initially aimed for a unifying tone, reaching out to all Americans and emphasizing healing and love. However, it ultimately reverted to his familiar style, focusing on attacks against his opponents and claims of election fraud.

  • What is the potential impact of Biden's potential withdrawal from the race?

    If Biden withdraws, the race could fundamentally change, potentially leading to a different and stronger Democratic rival for Trump to face. This could also lead to further infighting within the Democratic Party over who should replace Biden.

  • What are the key advantages that Trump currently enjoys in the race?

    Trump currently enjoys a strong lead in the polls, a unified party behind him, and a significant amount of campaign cash. He is also facing a Democratic Party in disarray, with donors fleeing and internal conflict over Biden's candidacy.

  • What is the significance of the "big tent" approach in the Republican Party?

    The "big tent" approach aims to attract a broad base of support by accommodating diverse perspectives within the party. This approach was evident at the convention, with speakers representing a wide range of ideologies and viewpoints, all united behind Trump.

  • What is the potential impact of election denialism on the political landscape?

    Election denialism can undermine public trust in democratic institutions, leading to violence, unrest, and a decline in democratic norms. It can also fuel political partisanship and conspiracy theories, further dividing the electorate.

  • Why are swing voters considered to be the most important group of voters in close elections?

    Swing voters are not consistently loyal to one political party and can determine the outcome of close elections. They are often influenced by a variety of factors, including the candidates' positions on key issues, the state of the economy, and the overall political climate.

  • What is the significance of the assassination attempt on Trump's campaign?

    The assassination attempt on Trump has had a significant impact on the campaign, shaping the narrative of the Republican National Convention and potentially influencing the outcome of the election. It has also raised concerns about security lapses and the effectiveness of the Secret Service.

  • What is the potential impact of the ongoing turmoil within the Democratic Party on the election?

    The ongoing turmoil within the Democratic Party, fueled by Biden's recent debate performance and declining poll numbers, could significantly alter the race if Biden decides to withdraw. This could lead to a different and stronger Democratic rival for Trump to face, potentially shifting the dynamics of the election.

Show Notes

Donald J. Trump’s acceptance of his party’s nomination put an exclamation point on a triumphant week for a Republican Party that emerged from its convention confident and unified. At the same time, the Democratic Party is moving closer and closer to replacing President Biden on the ticket.

Jonathan Swan, who covers Mr. Trump’s presidential campaign, gives a behind-the-scenes look at the Republican National Convention, and Reid J. Epstein, who covers Mr. Biden’s re-election campaign, discusses where it stands as expectations are rising among Democrats that the president will reconsider his decision to stay in the race.

Guest: 

  • Reid J. Epstein, a reporter covering politics for The New York Times.
  • Jonathan Swan, a reporter covering politics and Donald Trump’s presidential campaign for The New York Times.

Background reading: 

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. 


Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Comments (1)

Tony Lovell

Mythical Status? Really?

Jul 19th
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At the Republican Convention, Trump Achieves Mythical Status

At the Republican Convention, Trump Achieves Mythical Status

The New York Times