Humanizing Trump: Vance and the GOP's Dual Strategy at the RNC

On Wednesday night, J.D. Vance spoke at the Republican National Convention, focusing on praising Donald Trump and showing loyalty to him. Vance highlighted Trump’s economic policies, his strength after an assassination attempt, and his role as a father. This approach aimed to make Trump seem more relatable and broaden his appeal.

Vance’s speech didn't dive into detailed policies but instead focused on cultural themes and his blue-collar background to connect with swing state voters. However, his record shows low support from union groups, revealing a gap between his words and actions. Tech billionaires like Elon Musk back Vance, seeing him as a potential change-maker in tax policy, AI, and crypto regulations.

The convention continued with Dana White, CEO of the UFC, introducing Trump. White praised Trump as a fighter, a sentiment echoed by delegates chanting "fight, fight, fight" throughout the week. This recurring "fight" rhetoric in Trump’s narrative may foster division and potentially incite violence.

Trump’s speech mixed personal stories with familiar campaign themes, focusing on foreign policy, the economy, and immigration. He promised big changes like ending inflation and securing the border but lacked specifics. For example, Trump’s claims about building over 500 miles of border wall were inaccurate, as much of it was just upgrading existing barriers. His statements about having the best economy in U.S. history were also misleading, as GDP growth and wage increases were modest compared to previous decades.

The convention aimed to show Trump as a compassionate leader while appealing to his core supporters with strong, divisive rhetoric. This strategy reflects an effort to grow his base by humanizing his image through Vance’s praise and personal stories while keeping his combative stance on key issues. It’s an attempt to balance Trump’s aggressive political persona with a softer, more relatable image to attract a wider range of voters.