Trump Rallies Party in Record Long GOP Nomination Acceptance Speech

The week in politics concluded with former President Donald Trump formally accepting his third nomination for president at the Republican National Convention (RNC) on Thursday night. Here is a look at the news that captured the headlines in the political world over the last few days.

Donald Trump Accepts GOP Nomination for President

Former President Donald Trump is now the official GOP candidate for the 2024 presidential race. Trump formally accepted the nomination in Milwaukee on Thursday, marking his first public address since the attempted assassination last week.

The former president reportedly rewrote his speech after the assassination attempt, putting a greater focus on national unity.

Trump began his speech with a detailed account of the attempt at his life last Saturday evening in Butler, Pennsylvania.

However, the speech eventually went down the usual path of divisive rhetoric as it continued with Trump going off-script and not following his teleprompter. It was during this part of the address that the softer and gentler version of Trump that started the speech launched into his claims that the 2020 election was rigged.

The speech clocked in at an hour and 32 minutes, distinguishing it as the longest speech in modern convention history.

It is notable that Trump did not mention the issue of abortion at all during the lengthy address. He also did not bring up the January 6, 2021 riots at the Capitol Building. Trump also shied away from mentioning his competitor by name, only referring to him as the "current administration."

Trump was introduced by Ultimate Fighting Championship CEO Dana White. Prior to that, Trump's son Eric Trump and WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan addressed the crowd gathered at Fiserv Forum. Also on the speaking list on Thursday were Trump attorney Alina Habba, Fox News host Tucker Carlson, and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

The former president appeared on stage along with former first lady Melania Trump after the speech. Melania Trump has been conspicuously absent from the campaign trail this time around, only making two public appearances since the beginning of the campaign.

Trump's adult children and grandchildren also joined him for the traditional balloon drop as the convention came to a close.

President Joe Biden Tests Positive for COVID-19

While the Republicans have certainly taken center stage this week, there has been ample news on the Democratic side of the aisle as well.

U.S. President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday afternoon, forcing the cancelation of an event in Las Vegas. Biden flew back to his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware on Air Force One shortly after receiving the diagnosis, missing out on a scheduled appearance at the UnidosUS conference.

The White House said that the 81-year-old is experiencing mild symptoms, including an unproductive cough, a general feeling of malaise, and a runny nose.

Biden's doctor said that the president received his first dose of Paxlovid, an antiviral used to treat the virus. The White House also confirmed that Biden is fully vaccinated, receiving his last booster shot in September of 2023.

Biden previously tested positive for COVID-19 in July of 2022. He suffered a rebound infection just a few days later.

Update on Trump Assassination Attempt

Investigators are still working to determine a motive in the attempted assassination of Donald Trump last Saturday at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Authorities revealed that the gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, visited the site of the rally twice before the day of the rally.

It was also revealed that Crooks' smartphone had pictures of Biden and Trump as well as dates of future Trump rallies. The phone also included information about the August Democratic National Convention (DNC).

The Secret Service has been under the microscope since Saturday's lapse in security. It was revealed this week that law enforcement officials in Butler told the Secret Service that they were not equipped to secure the building that Crooks scaled to pull off the shooting.

Rep. Adam Schiff and Sen. Jon Tester Urge Biden to Drop Out of Presidential Race

The calls for Biden to step out of the race are intensifying within the Democratic Party. After a few days of relative quiet about the debate, Rep. Adam Schiff came out Wednesday and publicly urged the president to drop out of the race.

Schiff is now distinguished as the most prominent Democrat to join the chorus. The congressman from California is currently running for the U.S. Senate.

Montana Sen. Jon Tester also is asking for the president to end his bid to stay in the Oval Office. Tester is a vulnerable Democrat in a close race in a deep red state. He becomes the second senator to ask Biden to step aside, joining Vermont Sen. Peter Welch.

While all of the chatter surrounding the calls for Biden to pull out of the race are largely rumors at this point, the media is reporting that those closest to the president are beginning to urge him to reconsider his campaign.

For instance, it was revealed this week that Rep. Jamie Raskin wrote a personal letter to Biden on July 6 encouraging him to bow out. The letter's contents were reported by the New York Times, offering an insight into how Biden's closest allies are helping him to make the tough decision.

The mounting concern by Democratic leaders is not simply focused on the president's path to the White House.

Party officials are also concerned about the impact on down-ballot contests. For instance, the path for the Democrats to retain the Senate or have a chance in winning back the House of Representatives is also becoming more difficult.

Despite the calls by some of those closest to him, the president continues to vow that he will stay in the race.