Critic’s Notebook: Donald Trump Returns to Bad Form — and Gives the Democrats Hope

As a long-time gamer and observer of American politics, I have seen my fair share of political conventions, but none quite like the one that unfolded last night. I was expecting a more subdued, humbled Donald Trump, fresh from his brush with death, delivering a “unity speech” to heal the deep divisions tearing the country apart. Instead, we were treated to an erratic and chaotic performance, filled with the same vitriol and divisiveness that has come to define his presidency.

Instead, it was anticipated that Donald Trump would show a more compassionate and less harsh demeanor while receiving the Republican Party’s nomination for president.

After coming perilously close to being assassinated, it was assumed that he underwent a significant transformation. His newfound appreciation for life reportedly caused him to abandon his originally planned fiery speech. In its place, he intended to deliver a “unity address,” aimed at mending the deep political rifts that were tearing the nation apart.

That lasted for, oh, around 15 minutes or so.

As a passionate gamer, I can’t help but feel that the turmoil and unrest within our community needs mending. Let’s come together, connect the dots, and restore harmony amongst us.

“Together we ascend, or we crumble,” he continued with a tone reminiscent of Abraham Lincoln, a president he frequently references. “My intention is to serve as president for every American, not just the divided half.”

So far, so good.

Later on, he shared the intricacies of his near-death experience with a solemn voice, reminiscent of a rural pastor. “I believe God protected me,” he expressed to the audience, an admission that took him as well as us by surprise. “Apparently, I wasn’t meant to be here tonight,” he added.

He assured us, with a hint of sadness, “I’ll share every detail of what transpired that day.” Though we’d witnessed the assassination attempt footage countless times, he seemed determined to recount it once more. His voice carried a noticeable longing as he added, “This is a story I’ll only tell you this one time, for it brings great pain.” And so, he described the incident from start to finish, sharing how mere chance saved him from harm. To illustrate his accomplishments along the border, he showed us a chart.

In a heartfelt and poignant gesture, he honored Corey Comperatore’s memory, who sacrificed his life while trying to shield his loved ones. And true to form, he added an unusual touch by showcasing the volunteer firefighter’s uniform and placing a tender kiss on the helmet, just as he affectionately embraces American flags.

And then, after reminding us that he was the one “saving democracy for the people of this country,” he went off script, reminding the crowd of his opening acts. “How good was Dana?” he asked, referring to Dana White, the CEO of Ultimate Fighting Championship. “How ‘bout the Hulkster?” he enthused, referring to Hulk Hogan, who earlier in the evening had dignified the event by ripping off his shirt to reveal a “Trump/Vance” red tank top. Suddenly, he wasn’t the potential 47^th president of the United States but the emcee of a Friars Roast.

As I took the stage, my opponents’ teams could hardly contain their frustration. Democratic strategists clung precariously to their ledges, while Trump’s advisers pulled out what little remained of their hair. But me, I relished the moment. I delivered my lines with the passion of a Lynyrd Skynyrd frontman, hitting all the right notes for my cheering crowd.

“He warned ominously that our planet is on the brink of another global conflict, which was one of his less hopeful statements for the evening. His depiction of America as a desolate ruins left many people considering ending their lives, likely overwhelming suicide prevention hotlines with calls for help.”

Trump remained the same polarizing figure, drawing intense love or hate from people, regardless of his brief religious references. He spoke for an additional hour and a half past midnight on the East Coast, leaving many viewers, including those in the audience who had seemed so enthusiastic for days on end, looking drowsy-eyed.

As a gamer, I can tell you that the night took an unexpected turn for the worse. It wasn’t your typical political gathering, but rather an event filled with chest-thumping masculinity. The usual big names from the GOP, such as Bush, Cheney (either Dick or Liz), Romney, and Pence, weren’t even in attendance. They were conspicuously absent, it seemed, not wanted at what could have been aptly named the Trump Rally.

Instead, we listened to various speakers including Tucker Carlson from Fox News, who appeared impromptu as if he was continuing his lengthy nightly rants; Franklin Graham, the evangelist, who petitioned God for Trump’s guidance (despite showing some doubt); Alina Habba, Trump’s lawyer, due to the unpredictability of subpoenas; and Kid Rock, who showcased his country/rap/rock fusion while extolling Trump as a “true American tough guy.”

The disappointing assembly of people seemed more like the actors in a revived version of “Hollywood Squares” from a conservative state, rather than representatives of one of America’s two major political parties.

2024-07-19 08:54

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