Trump to announce his running mate on the first day of GOP convention

The Republican National Committee kicks off on Monday, just two days after former President Trump, the GOP’s standard-bearer, survived an assassination attempt.

The Saturday shooting at Trump’s rally in western Pennsylvania – where one spectator was killed and two more critically injured, and the former president visibly bloodied after a bullet grazed his ear – has altered the tone and raised the stakes of the convention.

At the four-day confab, which is being held in swing state Wisconsin’s largest city, Trump will formally become the Republican Party’s presidential nominee, and the official roll call will take place during the opening afternoon session on Monday.

But as the convention gets underway, all eyes are on the former president as Trump’s expected to announce his choice for running mate, which would bring to conclusion weeks of vetting and intense media speculation.

A roll call for the vice presidential nominee is expected to occur following the roll call to formally nominate Trump, during the afternoon session.

Considered the frontrunners for the Republican vice presidential nomination are Sens. JD Vance of Ohio and Marco Rubio of Florida, and Gov. Doug Burgum of North Dakota. Others thought to be in contention are Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, and Reps. Elise Stefanik of New York and Byron Donalds of Florida.

The Trump campaign says the former president – following his brush with death – at the convention will call for unity in the face of tragedy instead of criticizing his political adversaries as he faces off with President Biden in a 2024 election rematch.

And Trump, in an interview Sunday with the Washington Examiner, said, “Honestly, it’s going to be a whole different speech now.”

“It is a chance to bring the country together. I was given that chance,” he said.

As the political world watches and waits for the unfolding events at the convention, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation and uncertainty. The unexpected turn of events following the assassination attempt has added a layer of complexity to an already contentious and highly anticipated event.

The resilience and determination shown by former President Trump in the face of adversity have not gone unnoticed. His ability to navigate through challenging circumstances and emerge stronger than before has been a defining characteristic of his political career.

With the eyes of the nation fixed on Milwaukee, where the convention is taking place, the spotlight is firmly on Trump and his vision for the future. The choices he makes in the coming days, including his selection for running mate, will have far-reaching implications for the Republican Party and the upcoming election.

Amidst the political intrigue and suspense, one thing is certain – the Republican National Convention of 2024 will be a defining moment in American politics. As the country grapples with the aftermath of the attempted assassination and the challenges that lie ahead, the leadership and direction provided by Trump will be closely scrutinized and debated.

As the delegates gather and the speeches are delivered, the true significance of this moment in history will become clear. The decisions made and the words spoken will reverberate across the political landscape, shaping the future course of the nation.

For Trump, the stakes have never been higher. With the weight of the Republican Party on his shoulders and the eyes of the world upon him, he must navigate the turbulent waters of a divided nation and lead his party to victory in the upcoming election.

As the Republican National Convention unfolds, one thing is certain – the events that transpire in Milwaukee will have a lasting impact on the course of American politics. The choices made, the alliances formed, and the speeches delivered will all play a part in shaping the future of the nation.

With the world watching, all eyes are on Trump as he takes the stage and addresses the nation. His words will carry weight, his actions will have consequences, and his leadership will be put to the test. As the drama unfolds in Milwaukee, the fate of the Republican Party and the direction of the country hang in the balance.