3.40 am: Former wrestling star Hulk Hogan energized the crowd at the Republican convention in Milwaukee. The 70-year-old ripped off his black shirt displaying the US flag to thunderous applause, revealing a bright red muscle shirt emblazoned with “Trump – Vance 2024.” Read more here.
3.30 am: At the Republican convention, right-wing talk show host Tucker Carlson criticized US aid to Ukraine, which has been under Russian attack. “You don’t see our president suggesting using our military to protect our country or the lives of our citizens – no, this is for Ukraine,” stated the former Fox News host in Milwaukee. “This is a middle finger raised to every American.”
The talk show host, known for his close ties to Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, made headlines in early February by conducting an interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. For the first time since the war’s outbreak, a US interviewer extensively questioned the Kremlin leader. Carlson, known for disseminating misinformation and conspiracy theories, did not challenge Putin’s extensive statements. Critics had already suggested this as a possible reason why Putin granted the American the 127-minute interview.
2.40 am: Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump arrived at the hall on the fourth day of the Republican National Convention, poised to deliver his first public speech since the attempted assassination.
Lara Trump, the candidate’s daughter-in-law and co-chair of the Republican National Committee, said the assassination attempt prompted Trump to revise his speech, emphasizing unity. “I don’t think you can go through what he went through on Saturday, the experience of near death, without it having an impact,” Lara Trump said.
Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, speaking at a campaign rally in North Carolina, remarked that Trump’s call for unity lacked credibility due to his consistent refusal to acknowledge his 2020 election defeat. “We are too busy watching what you do to hear what you say,” Harris said.
Republican National Convention Day 4: Trump’s Speech After Assassination Attempt, Carlson Criticizes Ukraine Aid
The fourth day of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee saw a mix of high-energy entertainment, political speeches, and contentious debates. Here are some of the key highlights:
Hulk Hogan Pumps Up the Crowd
Former wrestling star Hulk Hogan, known for his boisterous persona and signature catchphrases, took the stage at the Republican convention, injecting a dose of entertainment into the proceedings. The 70-year-old former wrestler, a vocal supporter of Donald Trump, ripped off his black shirt emblazoned with the US flag to thunderous applause. Underneath, he revealed a bright red muscle shirt sporting the slogan “Trump – Vance 2024,” further igniting the crowd’s enthusiasm.
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Tucker Carlson Criticizes Ukraine Aid
Right-wing talk show host Tucker Carlson, known for his controversial views and conservative stance, used his platform at the convention to criticize the US government’s ongoing financial support for Ukraine in its war once morest Russia.
“You don’t see our president suggesting using our military to protect our country or the lives of our citizens – no, this is for Ukraine,” Carlson stated, drawing parallel between the US aid to Ukraine and the perceived lack of focus on domestic issues. “This is a middle finger raised to every American.”
Carlson’s comments resonate with a segment of the Republican base that has expressed growing skepticism regarding the US government’s involvement in the Ukrainian conflict. His remarks highlighted a key point of contention within the party, with some Republicans advocating for a more isolationist approach to foreign policy.
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Trump’s Speech After Assassination Attempt
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who arrived at the hall on the fourth day, was set to deliver his first public speech since a reported assassination attempt. The incident, which occurred just days before the convention, cast a shadow over the proceedings and prompted Trump to revise his speech.
It was widely acknowledged that the attempted assassination had a significant impact on Trump. Lara Trump, the candidate’s daughter-in-law and co-chair of the Republican National Committee, spoke regarding the incident’s emotional toll on Trump. “I don’t think you can go through what he went through on Saturday, the experience of near death, without it having an impact,” she said.
Trump’s revised speech, which was delivered following the assassination attempt, focused heavily on themes of unity and national security. The former president, known for his divisive rhetoric, sought to project a sense of resilience and togetherness in the face of adversity. This shift in tone was likely an attempt to win over a broader base of voters and appeal to those who may have been alienated by his previous inflammatory language.
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Harris Criticizes Trump’s Call for Unity
Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, speaking at a separate campaign rally in North Carolina, offered a pointed critique of Trump’s call for unity. She argued that Trump’s repeated refusal to acknowledge his 2020 election defeat cast a long shadow on his appeals for unity.
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“We are too busy watching what you do to hear what you say,” Harris declared, underscoring the perception that Trump’s actions contradict his words. This was a direct attack on Trump’s credibility and a forceful reminder to voters of his contentious political history.
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The Future of the GOP
The Republican National Convention showcased the party’s internal divisions, while also demonstrating the growing influence of conservative figures like Tucker Carlson. Trump’s return to the political stage following the attempted assassination added another layer of complexity to the already turbulent political landscape. These events will continue to shape the future of the GOP and the upcoming presidential election.
