7 Takeaways From Night 4 of Republican National Convention

by Fred Lucas

Delegates celebrated happily Thursday night as they waited during the Republican National Convention to hear Donald Trump accept his party’s nomination for the third time—only five days after he was nearly killed by an assassin’s bullet.

Before Trump’s widely anticipated speech to close out the big event, though, the crowd inside Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee heard from speakers as varied as Detroit pastor Lorenzo Sewell, Trump lawyer Alina Habba, and popular conservative commentator Tucker Carlson.

The night’s scheduled speakers slamming the record of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris included two Trump Cabinet members: former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Linda McMahon, who headed the Small Business Administration.

For some, the most unexpected speakers included Hulk Hogan, pro wrestling’s former heavyweight champion of the world, and Dana White, head of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, who introduced Trump.

Plus an appearance in the presidential box by former first lady Melania Trump.

Veteran rock and rap star Kid Rock, who made his conservative views known years ago, helped close the GOP convention’s fourth and final night with another hall-shaking performance.

Here are seven major highlights of the official program, which concluded with Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, celebrating onstage with their wives and families.

Trump Pays Tribute to Slain Firefighter

During his event-capping speech accepting the Republican presidential nomination, Trump talked a bit about the assassination attempt Saturday evening.

“I’m not supposed to be here tonight,” Trump said.

The crowd responded by chanting, “Yes, you are.”

“I stand in this arena only by the grace of God,” he said.

Trump paid tribute to Pennsylvania firefighter Corey Comperatore, 50, who was shot and killed at the rally. He displayed the former fire chief’s uniform and helmet, which he kissed.

“Tragically, the shooter claimed the life of one of our fellow Americans, Corey Comperatore—an unbelievable person, everyone tells me—and seriously wounded two other great warriors,” Trump said.

The crowd chanted, “Corey, Corey.”

Trump said he had spoken to Comperatore’s widow earlier in the day and announced a $1 million contribution to the family from Florida lawyer Dan Newlin.

“I ask that we observe a moment of silence in honor of our friend, Corey,” the 45th president said.