Shawn Steel: What to expect at the Republican National Convention

Donald J. Trump’s triumph over a cowardly assassination attempt has inspired the country.

The Republican National Convention is no longer a political event. Rather, it is a moment for national unity in the face of despicable violence. Republicans kickoff the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on July 15th more energized and enthusiastic than at any political convention in American history.

Never before in American history has a former President entered a political convention with a literal target on his back.

Republicans are rallying behind our strong and brave once and future Commander-in-Chief. In the face of direct imminent danger, President Donald J. Trump stood tall and demanded that America, “Fight. Fight. Fight.”

Republicans are excited, united, and ready for President Trump’s historic comeback victory in November.

Here’s what to expect from the 2024 Republican National Convention:

1. Trademark Trump High-Energy & Showstopper Acceptance Speech

No one can silence President Trump. Not even a deranged leftist assassin.

Donald J. Trump will bring his trademark high-energy to the Fiserv Forum and deliver a showstopper acceptance speech Thursday night.

He’s an exceptional, natural speaker who thrives from the energy and enthusiasm of a friendly crowd. RNC Chairman Michael Whatley and Co-Chair Lara Trump also made the savvy decision to enlist Ultimate Fighting Championship CEO Dana White, known for rallying a large crowd, as Trump’s warmup act.

2. Republicans Energized, Enthusiastic and United

In contrast to the divided Democrats, there’s no division within the Grand Ole Party. This is Trump’s convention through and through.

The RNC Platform Committee overwhelmingly approved an updated and more concise party platform that focuses on the singular mission of “Making America Great Again.” Republican delegates of every ideological persuasion understand that the party’s trimmed-down platform is the most effective way to highlight the core failures of the Biden-Harris administration.

3. Building Suspense with Trump’s Vice Presidential Pick

President Trump knows how to build suspense, and he’s done so again with the mystery surrounding his Vice-Presidential pick.

In recent interviews, President Trump has teased that his Veep selection could come at any time, including as late as Wednesday night, when the Vice Presidential nominee is slated to address delegates. Whether he picks Ohio Senator J.D. Vance; North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, New York Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, or another surprise candidate, expect RNC delegates to be salivating for the VP debate against Vice President Kamala Harris scheduled for Lafayette College.

4. Spotlight on 5 Key States: Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Arizona

Before Biden’s implosion, the 2024 Biden-Trump rematch was projected to come down to 71 electoral votes in five key states: Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Arizona. Biden won each of these five states in 2020 by less than 3 percent of the vote. President Trump can return to the White House by adding any three of these five states to his electoral coalition.

The Trump campaign is focusing on these five battleground states and, under Chris LaCivita’s leadership, has deployed its top operatives to ensure the most effective ground operation capable of a historic Get Out The Vote campaign. Expect state delegations from these states to receive prominent placement and attention in Milwaukee.

5. Economy, Crime & Immigration

It’s about the economy. It’s about crime. It’s about the border.

Republicans understand that America can’t afford another four years of sky-rocketing cost of living, out-of-control housing costs, and rampant inflation brought about by the reckless fiscal policies of the Biden-Harris administration. Americans are understandably concerned about the growing crime problems in big Democrat-run cities and see how an open border has made our country less secure.

The convention will spotlight the tragic human suffering caused by the dangerous policies of President Joe Biden from family members of those killed by violent gang members that have entered the country illegally through our southern border.

As RNC Sergeant at Arms, Shawn Steel will oversee security at the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He serves as California’s representative on the Republican National Committee.