MILWAUKEE (NEXSTAR) – The Republican National Convention kicked off Monday with former president Donald Trump announcing his running mate, freshman Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, as he appeared publicly for the first time Saturday’s assassination attempt.
With a bandage on his right ear the president appeared defiant as he and his pick for vp Senator J.D. Vance both appeared for the convention’s opening night.
“I think this right here makes our ticket even stronger,” said Rep. Dale Strong (R-Ala.).
The Biden campaign hit back calling Senator Vance an enabler willing to do “what Mike Pence wouldn’t.”
“He’s a clone of President Trump. He’s a clone of Trump on the issues so I don’t see any difference,” said President Joe Biden.
Mr. Trump, still recovering from injuries sustained in Saturday’s assassination attempt, also officially clinched his party’s nomination for president following a roll count vote by delegates.
“Let’s make it official…the chair announces the President Donald J. Trump, having received a majority of the votes entitled to be cast at the convention, has been selected as the Republican nominee for President of the United States,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.).
While that was already a foregone conclusion it unites the GOP with less than four months to go before Election Day.
Former President Trump is slated to address the entire convention and accept his party’s nomination Thursday night.