What Went Down On Night 2 Of The RNC

The silent majority, Julia!

I agree with Shom about the emphasis on Trump’s character. But the comment just now about Trump caring for the downtrodden has a larger significance for the night’s messaging. It fits with the theme of grievance — cancel culture, accusations of racism and condescension from the left. It’s not just about highlighting the president and making the point that he cares about people: It’s about the idea that Trump speaks for those neglected by others in the political system, especially Democrats.

Hardly a new tack for Republicans, but it’s interesting how they’re still testing out “socialism = democratic socialism” in the RNC with someone like Biden — and not Sanders — at the top of the ticket. We discussed this a little last night, as well on the live blog, but it’s hard to see how this lands as an effective attack on Biden even if he signaled more in the DNC that he might push an ambitious, progressive agenda in the mold of FDR.