Republican Unity: Trump's Rivals Rally Support at Milwaukee Convention

Donald Trump's ex-rivals for the Republican presidential nomination will express their support at the party's convention, highlighting unity after a fractious primary. The show of solidarity contrasts with Democratic divisions over President Biden's reelection bid. Trump, having narrowly survived an assassination attempt, introduced J.D. Vance as his running mate.

Donald Trump's former rivals for the Republican presidential nomination will voice their support for his candidacy at the party's convention on Tuesday, showcasing party unity after a divisive primary campaign.

The second night of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee will feature speeches from former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who were roundly defeated by Trump earlier this year in the state-by-state battle for the nomination. Haley's address, closely watched after she criticized Trump during the primary, aims to support his candidacy now, despite earlier reservations.

The show of harmony draws a stark contrast with the Democratic Party, which is embroiled in an intraparty dispute over President Joe Biden's reelection bid amid concerns about his age and mental acuity. The evening's speeches in Milwaukee, centered on the theme of safety, took an aggressive tone as speakers denounced Biden's southern border policies. Kari Lake, Bernie Moreno, and U.S. Senator Ted Cruz called the flow of migrants an "invasion."

Trump has pledged to launch the largest deportation effort in U.S. history, highlighting the divisive rhetoric contrasting with his promised message of national unity. Trump made a raucous entry into the arena, his first public appearance since surviving an assassination attempt, which has intensified American fears about the nation's divisions ahead of the Nov. 5 election.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll on Tuesday found that 80% of voters agreed the country is spiraling out of control post-shooting. Trump introduced J.D. Vance as his running mate, aiming to energize core Republican voters, though Vance's appeal to moderates is uncertain.

By comparison, 42% of registered voters had a favorable view of Biden's running mate, Kamala Harris. The poll found Trump leading Biden within the margin of error. Biden remains committed to his reelection campaign, decrying the attack on Trump and calling for less divisive rhetoric.

The Republican convention will culminate on Thursday with Trump's prime-time address when he formally accepts the nomination to face Biden in a rematch of their 2020 race.

(With inputs from agencies.)