Opinion: Trump "Derailed His Own Convention Speech"
The initial part of the former president's speech was captivating, but ultimately it became disappointingly predictable.
TroibNews 
The event began with an exceptionally personal account from the presidential nominee — a detailed retelling of a near-death experience. Following this narrative, it transitioned into a typical Trump rally speech, delivered with the monotony of a bus driver’s announcement, interspersed with spontaneous riffs, jokes, shout-outs, and a barrage of phrases like “never seen anything like it” and “like never before.”
Despite experiencing what would be life-changing for most, Trump remained unchanged.
Some Republican allies suggested he had transformed following the assassination attempt. The Trump campaign promised a convention focused on unity. Trump himself claimed he had discarded his original speech and wouldn’t mention President Joe Biden by name. None of these claims held true; Trump couldn't fully restrain himself.
Initially, the convention address deviated from this pattern.
Trump's speech began with a riveting personal story, far more compelling than those of most other presidential candidates. Historically, personal recollections were rare.
Dwight Eisenhower did not dwell on his feelings the night before D-Day. John Kennedy did not recount his life-or-death struggle in the Solomon Islands. When Ronald Reagan recovered from the 1981 assassination attempt, he only briefly mentioned the shooting in an address to Congress, humorously citing a child’s letter about hoping he wouldn’t have to “make a speech in your pajamas.”
Today, it is common for candidates to share their life stories. George H.W. Bush discussed his relocation to Texas, Bill Clinton shared, “I never knew my father,” George W. Bush talked about his interactions with juvenile delinquents, and Barack Obama tied his biography to an “only in America” theme.
In Trump’s situation, the attack shortly before the convention and his narrow escape made his story the most powerful.
However, the shooting had no substantial impact on the rest of his wandering and occasionally odd speech. Apart from stating that “we must not demonize political disagreements” — a surprising declaration from someone who has suggested extreme measures against critics and regularly uses derogatory terms for opponents — the rest of his speech lacked authentic reflection or a profound message for the American people. He did name Biden, though only once, and labeled former Speaker Nancy Pelosi as “crazy.”
Trump's convention speech exemplified his confidence — justified at least among his followers — that any statement he makes, no matter how outlandish, will receive enthusiastic applause. This was evident for both his attacks on other countries as exploiters and newer messages, such as his call to halt the criminal cases against him. He eagerly shared poll numbers, conversations with a waitress (commenting on the change in how tips are given), and anything that enhances his self-image as the world’s smartest man.
The speech, lasting over 90 minutes, served as a reminder to commentators attributing humility, serenity, or a newfound sense of life's meaning to Trump's demeanor.
The sight of him in front of a gigantic electric “TRUMP” sign should have been a clue. Even a life-threatening experience did not alter his lifelong self-promotion.
Trump continues to be Trump.
For a beleaguered, demoralized Democratic Party, this might be the week's only piece of good news.
Mathilde Moreau contributed to this report for TROIB News
Despite experiencing what would be life-changing for most, Trump remained unchanged.
Some Republican allies suggested he had transformed following the assassination attempt. The Trump campaign promised a convention focused on unity. Trump himself claimed he had discarded his original speech and wouldn’t mention President Joe Biden by name. None of these claims held true; Trump couldn't fully restrain himself.
Initially, the convention address deviated from this pattern.
Trump's speech began with a riveting personal story, far more compelling than those of most other presidential candidates. Historically, personal recollections were rare.
Dwight Eisenhower did not dwell on his feelings the night before D-Day. John Kennedy did not recount his life-or-death struggle in the Solomon Islands. When Ronald Reagan recovered from the 1981 assassination attempt, he only briefly mentioned the shooting in an address to Congress, humorously citing a child’s letter about hoping he wouldn’t have to “make a speech in your pajamas.”
Today, it is common for candidates to share their life stories. George H.W. Bush discussed his relocation to Texas, Bill Clinton shared, “I never knew my father,” George W. Bush talked about his interactions with juvenile delinquents, and Barack Obama tied his biography to an “only in America” theme.
In Trump’s situation, the attack shortly before the convention and his narrow escape made his story the most powerful.
However, the shooting had no substantial impact on the rest of his wandering and occasionally odd speech. Apart from stating that “we must not demonize political disagreements” — a surprising declaration from someone who has suggested extreme measures against critics and regularly uses derogatory terms for opponents — the rest of his speech lacked authentic reflection or a profound message for the American people. He did name Biden, though only once, and labeled former Speaker Nancy Pelosi as “crazy.”
Trump's convention speech exemplified his confidence — justified at least among his followers — that any statement he makes, no matter how outlandish, will receive enthusiastic applause. This was evident for both his attacks on other countries as exploiters and newer messages, such as his call to halt the criminal cases against him. He eagerly shared poll numbers, conversations with a waitress (commenting on the change in how tips are given), and anything that enhances his self-image as the world’s smartest man.
The speech, lasting over 90 minutes, served as a reminder to commentators attributing humility, serenity, or a newfound sense of life's meaning to Trump's demeanor.
The sight of him in front of a gigantic electric “TRUMP” sign should have been a clue. Even a life-threatening experience did not alter his lifelong self-promotion.
Trump continues to be Trump.
For a beleaguered, demoralized Democratic Party, this might be the week's only piece of good news.
Mathilde Moreau contributed to this report for TROIB News
