What Went Down During President Trump’s Closing Speech At The RNC

In response to what Nate and Nathaniel mentioned about how giving the RNC speech from the White House will play for the president, I’m reminded of what we know about public opinion on things that are overtly “political” — people have tended to put more trust in institutions like the military and the Supreme Court than those that reflect lots of messy political back-and-forth, like Congress. People are a little suspicious of the political game and perhaps prefer to keep some institutions separate from that. If this is still true in these polarized times, that might shape public reaction to tonight’s convention speech.

Now we’re seeing the Trump campaign’s answer to that oft-played “Republicans for Biden” video.

Honestly, I’m surprised by how much the RNC is pushing the Black Republican angle. Maybe I shouldn’t be, given the events in the country right now and the Republicans’ need to target swing voters (probably mostly white) who want to be reassured that the party doesn’t have racist values or policies. Smith was a continuation of a theme this week.