Trump's Surprise Move from the First Day of the Convention... Supporters Chant "4 More Years!"

Breaking Tradition, Presidential Candidate Draws Attention from the Start on Final Day of Party Convention
Trump Also Urges, "Shout '12 More Years'"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] U.S. President Donald Trump made a shocking appearance from the very first day of the Republican National Convention, showing a bold move.

On the 24th (local time), President Trump unexpectedly visited the Charlotte Convention Center in North Carolina, where the Republican National Convention was being held, drawing enthusiastic cheers from supporters. The White House's published schedule for Trump that day indicated a speech at an event held in Mills River, North Carolina, not the convention. However, upon landing at Charlotte Airport, Trump immediately boarded a vehicle and headed straight to the convention hall.

There had been expectations that Trump would visit the event venue during the four-day convention, but it was rare to anticipate that he would take the stage on the very first day. It is common for U.S. presidential candidates to remain out of sight until just before the final event of the convention, the acceptance speech, maximizing the dramatic effect of their appearance.

Trump's choice appears to also aim at differentiating himself from last week's Democratic National Convention. It was a criticism of Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, who did not appear at the convention event held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and only delivered a virtual speech from Delaware. On the 22nd, Trump tweeted, "Candidate Biden and the Democrats showed great disrespect by not visiting the great city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin at all."

Trump's appearance was met with cheers from the Republican delegates gathered at the convention hall. The delegates responded by chanting "Four more years," and Trump energized the crowd by replying, "If you really want to drive them (the Democrats) crazy, say 12 more years," before beginning his speech.

The scenes of Trump's appearance and speech were broadcast live. Unlike the Democratic National Convention, which was held entirely virtually, this reflected Trump's intention to convey a sense of presence. Furthermore, it solidified his determination to make this convention a 'one-man show' led by himself.

The Washington Post reported that Trump would be visible throughout the four-day convention. However, an official stated that he would not speak every day.

Meanwhile, CNN sparked controversy by cutting off the live broadcast of Trump's surprise speech. CNN described Trump's speech as the latest false statement and stopped the broadcast. CNN had aired the Democratic National Convention live without interruption last week.

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