Trump Accepts Presidential Nomination: "Biden Will Be the Destroyer of America's Greatness" (Summary)

Former Senator and Vice President Accused of Harming the US
Both Parties' Conventions End... 68-Day Presidential Race Intensifies
Despite Controversy, White House Speech Proceeded with "We Are Here, They Are Not" Mention
1,500 Supporters Gather at White House

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min, Reporter Na Ju-seok] On the night of the 27th (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump officially declared his candidacy for the U.S. presidential election on November 3rd through his acceptance speech as the Republican presidential nominee. President Trump focused most of his speech on criticizing Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden. He signaled that he would concentrate more on a negative campaign strategy rather than policies and vision going forward.

In his speech marking the conclusion of the four-day Republican National Convention, President Trump claimed, "We have spent the last four years undoing the damage Joe Biden has caused over the past 47 years." He argued that Biden had ruined America during his tenure as a U.S. Senator since 1972 and his eight years as Vice President. Trump said, "Joe Biden is not the savior of the American soul," adding, "He is the destroyer of American jobs."

His remarks also appeared to be a counterattack against Biden’s description of his own term as a "dark era" during last week’s Democratic presidential acceptance speech. The day before, Vice President Mike Pence also strongly condemned Biden’s "dark era" comment.

President Trump further raised the intensity of his attacks against the Democratic camp, represented by Biden and Vice Presidential candidate Kamala Harris, stating, "Voters have never before faced a clearer choice between two parties, two visions, two philosophies, and two agendas." By labeling the Democrats as "socialists" and "radical left," he indicated that ideological attacks would be actively pursued in the future.

He asserted, "This election will decide whether we save the American Dream or allow the socialist agenda to destroy our precious destiny."

President Trump also promised to rebuild the U.S. economy. He said, "We will return to full employment, increased incomes, and record prosperity to build the greatest economy in history."

Considering Biden’s poor response to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Trump revealed during his speech that he had signed a contract to purchase 150 million COVID-19 test kits worth $750 million. He claimed, "We will defeat the COVID-19 pandemic and emerge stronger than ever," adding, "A vaccine will be ready within this year."

Initially, President Trump considered postponing his speech due to the massive Hurricane Laura hitting southern U.S. states such as Louisiana, but he proceeded with the speech, stating that the damage was not severe.

Regarding the speech, Politico noted that unlike the 2016 election, President Trump is no longer an outsider within the Republican Party and is attempting to break through in a "Trump style" regardless of the election outcome.

On the final day of the Republican National Convention, about 1,500 supporters filled the South Lawn of the White House to listen to President Trump’s speech. Although social distancing measures were difficult to observe due to COVID-19, White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows claimed sufficient precautions were taken. The U.S. recommends maintaining a distance of 6 feet (1.8 meters), but most chairs were placed closely together, and most participants did not wear masks. Particularly in Washington D.C., gatherings of more than 50 people are prohibited to prevent COVID-19 spread, but this guideline was not followed.

There was controversy over selecting the White House as the venue for the presidential candidate acceptance speech, but President Trump appeared unconcerned. He said, "We are here (at the White House), and they are not."

In addition, speakers including Ivanka Trump, President Trump’s eldest daughter and White House senior advisor; Mitch McConnell, Republican Senate Majority Leader; Kevin McCarthy, Republican House Majority Leader; and Rudolph Giuliani, former New York City Mayor, appealed for support for President Trump. Ben Carson, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, gave the second endorsement speech by a sitting cabinet member following Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

With both parties’ conventions concluded, the U.S. presidential race, now 68 days away, is expected to heat up. Due to the COVID-19 situation making large-scale rallies difficult, TV debates have become crucial. Three debates are scheduled: September 29 (Ohio), October 15 (Florida), and October 22 (Tennessee).

Sharp exchanges between both sides continue over the TV debates. On this day, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that a proper debate with President Trump cannot be expected and argued that Biden should not participate in the debates. The day before, President Trump suggested a doping test for Biden, claiming Biden became the candidate because he debated Senator Bernie Sanders best. This was seen as a typical negative campaign tactic raising suspicions of drug use.

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