Coronation in Cleveland: Republicans prepare to nominate Trump

CLEVELAND – Reuters

Donald Trump speaks at the Republican U.S. presidential candidates debate at the University of Miami in Miami, Florida, U.S. March 10, 2016. REUTERS photo

With his running mate squared away and the Republican Party more or less behind him, Donald Trump prepares for a prime-time moment this week that few would have predicted a year ago: his anointment as the party’s presidential nominee. 

The wealthy businessman’s coronation in Cleveland will come at the end of the four-day Republican National Convention that kicks off July 18. Befitting the candidate’s unrestrained nature, the convention is expected to be a more spontaneous affair this year than past iterations. 

Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort said the convention will focus on the whole of Trump’s personality from his family to his business interests and in the end will show that he is ready to be president. 
“I think we’re going to see more of the man,” he said. 

On July 16, Trump gave a preview of his showmanship, honed over the years as a reality television star.

While officially presenting his vice presidential running mate, Indiana Governor Mike Pence, he detoured frequently to hit Democratic rival Hillary Clinton and tout his own business record. 

Trump did recognize, however, that he picked the conservative Christian to help unify a party that has struggled to come to terms with the real estate mogul’s unorthodox stances and off-the-cuff campaign style.

It was an admission of sorts that he needs the veteran politician’s yin to counter his outsider yang in preparation for the Nov. 8 election. 

Trump’s July 16 appearance was the last time he is scheduled to speak before his acceptance speech on the night of July 21. 

“His convention speech will be the most important moment of the campaign and the largest television audience that has ever watched him,” Republican strategist Matt Mackowiak said. 

“The stakes could not be higher. I expect it to be a prepared speech that is very well-developed, with poll-tested language for maximum effect. He only has one chance to deliver his nominating speech.”