Less than a week after he survived an assassination attempt, Donald Trump will accept the Republican nomination for president in a prime-time address tonight, the latest turn in an improbable political resurrection that leaves him not only in complete control of his party, but as the front-runner in November’s general election.

Trump’s political comeback, born from the ashes of his riotous and false bid to deny his 2020 loss, now places him in a position of strength, with a unified party behind him and an opponent whose campaign is in chaos, as Democratic Party leaders and donors pressure President Joe Biden to drop from the race.

On Wednesday night, Sen. JD Vance of Ohio formally accepted the Republican nomination for vice president with a surprisingly low-energy address that at times struck classic liberal themes — attacks on Wall Street and paeans to the working man — as he introduced himself to the nation as the next generation of the Trump movement.

Here’s what else to know:

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Pressure (Still) Builds 

Biden is more receptive to at least hearing arguments for dropping out of the race, Democrats briefed on the conversations told The New York Times. The new openness came after the party’s congressional leaders shared their own deep concerns about his prospects. A person close to Biden said that while he was “willing to listen,” he was not receptive to the idea of actually dropping out.

A COVID Case

Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, taking him off the campaign trail at a pivotal time. His doctor said his symptoms were mild. But the illness was certain to derail his ongoing effort to convince wavering supporters he has the wherewithal and vigor for another campaign, and another term.

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Just a Grandpa

Donald Trump Jr. was joined onstage Wednesday night by his daughter, Kai Madison Trump, 17, as part of an effort to buff the former president’s image for undecided Americans who might be open to voting for him but still have their misgivings. “To me, he’s just a normal grandpa,” Kai said. “He gives us candy and soda when our parents are not looking. He always wants to know how we’re doing in school.”

Who Wasn’t There

Two absences in particular have been notable over the past three days of the convention: those of Trump’s daughter, Ivanka Trump, and his wife, Melania Trump. Both were prominent at his first convention, in 2016, where they gave their own addresses. There is only one night left for either to make an appearance. Among those who are scheduled to appear Thursday are the president’s son Eric Trump, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, and Dana White, chief executive of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

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This article originally appeared in The New York Times.

By Jim Rutenberg/Kenny Holston
c.2024 The New York Times Company