For a party that has a problem accepting immigrants, Slovenian-born Melania Trump delivered the speech of the evening at last night’s opening day ceremonies in Cleveland, Ohio.
After what turned out to be a chaotic first day at the Republican National Convention, Melania Trump offered a refreshing change of pace from the partisan, vitriolic speeches that preceded her.
The mother of one of the four Americans killed in the Benghazi attack, Patricia Smith, blamed Hillary Clinton, “personally for the death of my son.” Also keeping with the Benghazi theme, a hopped-up Rudy Giuliani alleged Hillary Clinton has “an arrogant disregard for American lives lost unnecessarily because of her.”
Yes, Melania Trump, in an elegant white dress, was what the night, and primetime, needed.
Speaking of her husband, Melania said, “He is tough when he has to be, but he’s also kind and fair and caring. This kindness is not always noted, but it is there for all to see. That is one reason I fell in love with him to begin with.”
She received a rousing applause by mentioning that Donald “intends to represent all of the people…that includes Christians and Jews and Muslims and Hispanics and Asians He will never, ever, give up. And most importantly, he will never, ever, let you down.”
Some, no doubt, will take issue with her husband’s plan to be an inclusive, unifying president. But the convention crowd bought it, giving Melania a standing ovation.
From the look of the crowd as she spoke, one could sense the audience was paying close attention to her words. They were pulling for her. Her Slovenian accent did not betray her or get in the way of a speech well written and delivered – a speech some described as “composed, self-aware,” and providing a rare glimpse into the personality of America’s potential next first lady.
Melania Trump even tried her hand at humor.
“It would not be a Trump campaign without excitement and drama,” she joked.
Last night, Melania Trump, undoubtedly delivered the biggest speech of her life and of the presidential campaign so far. To her credit, the former fashion model that learned English as a second language, nailed it.
Photo | J. Scott Applewhite/AP