Trump, in highly personal speech, accepts GOP nomination again days after assassination attempt

Former President Trump delivers unifying speech at GOP convention post-assassination attempt, focusing on party unity and national healing.

Donald Trump, defiant and bandaged, accepted the GOP presidential nomination on July 18 at the Republican National Convention in a speech that largely ignored his most divisive plans and focused instead on uniting his party — and the nation — just five days after an assassination attempt that could have ended his life.

The 78-year-old former President, known best for his bombast and aggressive rhetoric, offered a softer and more personal message that draws on his brush with death.

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“The discord and division in our society must be healed. We just heal it quickly. As Americans, we are bound together by a single fate and a shared destiny. We rise together. Or we fall apart," Trump said. “I am running to be president for all of America, not half of America, because there is no victory in winning for half of America.”

He made no direct mention of Democratic rivals, President Joe Biden or Vice President Kamala Harris, referring only generally to their administration. The speech also avoided any direct reference to his more controversial governing plans and favorite topics, including the 2020 election, the “deep state," the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol and his plans to deport millions of immigrants in the country illegally.

Trump’s forward-looking speech marks the climax and conclusion of a massive four-day Republican pep rally that drew thousands of conservative activists and elected officials to swing-state Wisconsin as voters weigh an election that currently features two deeply unpopular candidates. Sensing political opportunity in the wake of his near-death experience, the often bombastic Republican leader embraced a new tone he hopes will help generate even more momentum in an election that appears to be shifting in his favor.

But with less than four months to go in the contest, major changes in the race are possible, if not likely.