Five Things to Know: RNC Week—Unified Party Launches Trump-Vance Ticket
The Republican National Convention wrapped after four nights of impassioned speeches and policy proposals from many prominent faces of the political right. The Republican Party has officially launched the fall campaign circuit of their 2024 nominees for president and vice president, former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator JD Vance.
1. TRUMP’S VISION FOR AMERICA WAS A FAMILIAR CONTINUATION OF HIS 2016 AND 2020 PLATFORMS
Despite reports of a rewritten nomination acceptance speech following the failed attempt on his life, Trump’s 92-minute address on night four mirrored much of his prior policy positions and slightly toned down the rhetoric. In the first part of his acceptance speech former President Trump delivered prepared remarks on unity. But once those were over, he pivoted to some more familiar elements of his previous campaign stump speeches. Trump only mentioned President Biden once but did so by saying of the incumbent, “If you took the 10 worst presidents in the history of the United States… Added them up, they will not have done the damage that Biden has done.”
As a contrast, the former president pitched himself as a “President for all of America.” Notable themes in his address include immigration & crime, the economy, foreign relations and geopolitical tensions, energy strategies, intentions to limit and end regulatory red tape, condemning political persecution from his rivals, and a repeat of his controversial claims about the “stolen” 2020 election.
2. JD VANCE – THE FUTURE OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY?
JD Vance, the junior senator from Ohio, was announced as Trump’s running mate on night one. A former venture capitalist, Vance first hit the national stage in 2016 when he published Hillbilly Elegy and was then elected to the Senate in 2022. Recently, Vance has become one of Trump’s staunchest supporters on key issues such as foreign policy, immigration and trade.
On night four, Trump alluded that Vance might be his heir-apparent to carry on his ideals and legacy for the party. Support for Vance appeared enthusiastic, but only 2028 will tell where Republicans go next with a handful of other presidential hopefuls still working to stay in the limelight.
3. AN APPEAL TO MODERATES AND "FORGOTTEN AMERICANS"
In an appeal to moderates and swing voters, while some of their top issues like abortion and democracy were significantly lacking throughout the week, topics like inflation, jobs, immigration & crime, military strength, tax cuts and other pro-business policies were front and center. Republicans tried to paint these issues as a clear referendum on what they deem as failed Democratic and Biden-Harris policies.
Policy comparisons were also book-ended with attempts to appeal to any self-identified “forgotten Americans,” perhaps a purposeful alignment with Vance’s focus in his best-selling book Hillbilly Elegy and a key demographic of Trump’s base. One such example was the appearance and honoring of the Gold Star families whose military family members were killed during the withdrawal from Afghanistan, a pivotal point during the Biden administration where President Biden’s popularity declined. Another example occurred when the parents of an American held hostage by Hamas spoke and called for greater efforts to bring home our missing citizens.
4. THE REPUBLICAN NOMINEE FOR PRESIDENT STILL INSISTS THE 2020 ELECTION WAS STOLEN, DESPITE EVIDENCE TO THE CONTRARY
For many, the 2020 election may feel like a tired argument of the Trump and Republican campaigns, but that hasn’t quieted fears on the right of another “shocking” loss this November. With strong base support, Republicans proposed an end to early voting and correction of other election-related policies they claim contributed to election fraud or foreign interference.
5. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Calls to tone down the rhetoric seem to have faded, and campaigns are back to usual tactics, pointing out the failures and perceived dangers of their political opponents. Post-RNC, expect the Trump-Vance campaign to begin making their case to swing states and blue-collar communities.
In Congress, members will soon take August recess and shift their focus to gaining reelection and supporting their party up and down the ballot on top issues facing voters.
Meanwhile, the future of the Democratic Party is currently in question, as calls for Biden to step down from the ticket have reached a fever pitch, with reports that an announcement may come as early as this weekend.
Businesses should expect heightened attention and scrutiny in areas like Title IX, immigration & workforce, DEI, and education. Pay attention to tensions within your internal stakeholder groups and workforce, and communicate clearly, effectively and inclusively with your employees to provide support, resources and options for their chosen level of civic engagement.
For more on global elections in 2024, EGA Election HQ is your guide to the moments that matter, what comes next, and what all of this means for industries and sectors. For counsel or tow get in touch, reach out to Elections@edelmanEGA.com.
