Unprecedented US Republican Convention... Trump Family Celebration and Deployment of Incumbent Ministers

Unprecedented Support Speech by Pompeo in Middle East
WP "Blurred Lines Between Public Office and Politics"
Trump Family Fully Mobilized Amid GOP Leaders' Cold Shoulder
Trump Reality Show Production Team Involved

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The Republican National Convention in the United States, set to begin in one day, is expected to proceed in a form completely different from both the Democratic Party's virtual convention and previous Republican conventions. An unusual scene is anticipated where President Trump's family members and current cabinet members will provide strong support at an event shunned even by former Republican presidents. Some believe that President Trump will appear throughout the convention, turning it into a one-man show reality program.

The lineup of speakers for the Republican National Convention, revealed on the 23rd (local time), foreshadowed that this convention will be conducted in a format unlike any previous ones.

The most notable aspect is the support speeches by current cabinet members such as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson. Former President George W. Bush had considered having Colin Powell, the African American Secretary of State, deliver a support speech at a past convention but abandoned the idea due to concerns over potential controversy. However, this convention is pushing forward with speeches by cabinet members. The Washington Post (WP) criticized this, saying the boundary between public office and politics has become blurred.

In particular, Secretary Pompeo's participation while on an overseas trip has drawn criticism as being "excessive." Pompeo departed on the day to visit Israel, Bahrain, and Sudan. This trip is part of President Trump's ambitious efforts to advance normalization between Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ahead of his reelection campaign. Analysts interpret Pompeo's speech as an attempt to appeal to Jewish voters. AFP news agency described it as highly unusual for a Secretary of State to speak at a convention while on an overseas trip.

The full mobilization of family members also marks a departure from past conventions. They are expected to fill the void left by Republican figures who have turned their backs on President Trump. First Lady Melania will deliver a speech in the newly renovated White House Rose Garden, and the eldest daughter Ivanka will introduce her father on the final day of the convention. White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany has asserted that Ivanka Trump's speech at the convention poses no legal issues. The Trump family also actively supported the 2016 election by appearing in succession at the convention venue.

Although it is known that family members and current cabinet officials will be mobilized, specific details about the format of the convention have not yet been disclosed. However, since Sadhu Kim and Chuck LaBella, producers of the reality show "The Apprentice" that made Trump a star, are assisting with the convention's production, it suggests that this convention will be significantly different from traditional formats.

The lineup of speakers also includes figures who may provoke controversy. A white couple who were indicted for illegal firearm use after aiming guns at anti-racism protesters marching past their home in June will appear at the convention. Also appearing is high school student Nick Sandmann, who faced backlash last year after a video seemingly insulting Native American human rights activists went viral online.

Currently, Republican officials are reportedly under pressure to create a "perfect show without a single error" due to President Trump's sensitivity to TV production. Internet media Axios expressed concern that the entire event will be a series of "Trump shows" from start to finish.

Meanwhile, a CBC and YouGov poll released on the same day showed that although the gap between President Trump and Democratic candidate Joe Biden remains in the double digits, the consolidation of Trump's support base is just beginning.

In this survey, 57% of Republican supporters said they could accept the 176,000 COVID-19 deaths in the United States. Notably, 75% of Republican supporters responded that their household finances are better now than four years ago. Additionally, 67% of Republican supporters said the U.S. economy is doing well.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.