By Dave Andrusko
As I write this recap of last night’s superb third day of the Republican National Convention, Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen, writing for the news site Axios, are reporting that “Several top Democrats privately tell us the rising pressure of party congressional leaders and close friends will persuade President Biden to decide to drop out of the presidential race, as soon as this weekend.”
Later today, we’ll explore how much truth there is to this bombshell or whether it’s just another ploy to force President Biden—who has been adamant he’s not going anywhere–out of the race.
Last night’s featured speaker was pro-life Ohio Sen. JD Vance, pro-life former President Donald Trump’s dynamic choice to be his vice presidential running mate. Vance has the honor of being pillaged by Lisa Lerer, an abortion extremist, who writes for the New York Times. She sneers, “Mr. Vance is fluent in the language of the anti-abortion movement.”
His speech, which came late in the evening, followed an emotional presentation by Gold Star Families, “specifically narrowed in on the 2021 suicide bombing attack at Hamid Karzai International Airport’s Abbey Gate,” reported WVTM 13. The bombing killed 13 U.S. service members.
The New York Times’s Jonathan Weisman elaborated on the tragic deaths, the accounts of which left many in tears.
“But the emotional punch came from the Gold Star families of the Marines killed in a tragic bombing during the evacuation of U.S. forces in Afghanistan,” he wrote. “Holding photos of the loved ones they lost, the Gold Star Family members in the video explained that they were aiming ‘to give a voice’ to the service members killed during the Aug. 26, 2021 attack at the airport in Kabul.”
Christy Shamblin, whose daughter-in-law was killed in Afghanistan, said Trump spent six hours with her family.
“Donald Trump knew all of our children’s names. He knew their stories, and he spoke to us in a way that made us feel understood, like he knew our kids.” “Joe Biden said the withdrawal from Afghanistan was an extraordinary success. An extraordinary success. Look at our faces. Look at our pain.” “During last month’s debate, he claimed no service members have died during his administration. None — that hurt us all deeply.” [Transcript from the New York Times.]
As sure as the swallows return to Capistrano, Democrats denounced Sen. Vance as an “extremist” who (as Michael Tyler, communications director of the Biden campaign, said) “is unprepared, unqualified and willing to do anything Donald Trump demands.”
Other Times opinion writers had a quite different take on the 39-year-old father of three.
Michelle Cottle, political writer for Opinion J.D. Vance brought what Team Trump needed: a fresh face who can deliver even tough hits smoothly, with a charming smile and a sprinkling of humor. The political parts of his speech were nothing special. But the biographical bits were kinda glorious. The story from his youth about how his mamaw [grandma] threatened to run over a local drug dealer was pure gold. And when Vance introduced his mother, who was in the crowd, “10 years clean and sober”? Chef’s kiss.
David French, Times columnist Vance’s personal story is genuinely inspiring. Any time he can focus on what he’s overcome and how he’s helped his family members improve their lives, the more people will respond to him.
Vance reminded his audience of last Saturday’s horrific attack. “I want all Americans to go and watch the video of a would-be assassin coming a quarter of an inch from taking his life,” he said. “Consider the lies they told you about Donald Trump, and then look at that photo of him defiant, fist in the air. When Donald Trump rose to his feet in that Pennsylvania field, all of America stood with him.”
Tonight’s culmination is Mr. Trump’s acceptance speech and caps off what even the staunchest anti-Trumpers are admitting has been a masterful convention.
Be sure to watch.