The Republican National Conference (RNC) just wrapped up in the United States, and to be honest, things got a bit strange. Here’s a rundown of what we discovered.
Trump Assassination Attempt Altered Atmosphere
Following the appalling events around the Trump shooting, the atmosphere at the RNC was always going to be altered.
Media Interest Doubled
The RNC is always widely covered, but the attempt on Trump’s life dialled up the global interest several notches.
Democrat Chaos Emboldens Republicans
With concerns around Biden’s health and the calls from within his party to step down, the Republicans have seized the opportunity to steal a march in the polls.
Polls Have Trump Leading
The plan is working, with the Republicans leading the polls 47-44 in the voting intention.
Change in Tone
The divisive nature of American politics has led to aggressive smear campaigns against civil servants and judges and ultimately led to the Capitol riots in the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election.
Temperature Check Needed
Given the history of political violence in the US, both sides of the political spectrum have asked for a ‘cooling’ in the rhetoric being used.
Group Think on Display
At any political conference, there’s always a doubling-down on narrative, and this was no different. The views expressed become stronger because there’s nobody to mediate.
New Brand of Conservatism
What we’re beginning to see is a new brand of Conservatism – further right, more isolationist, less global, yet oddly, more tolerant towards Russia – the historical enemy of America.
Conservatism Gone Global
The right-wing of American politics has branched out and is now recruiting interest and support from politicians and celebrities from the UK.
Retirement Home For Former British PMs
It seems to be a retirement home for former British Prime Ministers. Boris Johnson was pictured speaking to an almost-empty room at the RNC.
Americans Not Interested
It appeared that Boris Johnson isn’t the popular draw stateside that his fans in the UK would have imagined – around 90% of the seats were empty at his talk.
Liz Truss Appeared
Having stepped down as the shortest-serving Prime Minister in modern British history and lost her seat in the subsequent election, Truss has reinvented herself as a right-wing mouthpiece.
Critical of Biden, Blair, Sunak and Starmer
Seemingly forgetting her dire record in office, Truss now offers a critique on anyone and everything. Unfortunately for her, social media videos of people at the RNC show nobody seems to know who she is.
Farage Arrived in Town
Fresh from doing nothing for the people of Clacton, Nigel Farage offered his endorsement to all things right-wing. It probably didn’t help much.
Roots in Conspiracy
There was also more than a sprinkling of conspiracy theorists at the event. Disgraced actor/comedian/podcaster/revolutionist Russell Brand was there, offering whatever he offered.
Hulk Hogan Turns Up
Hulk Hogan appeared on stage to offer his support in a bizarre twist. He announced he supported Trump by ripping his shirt and revealing a Trump top underneath. It shouldn’t have come as a surprise, given he was given a speaking gig at the RNC.
Cult of Personality Politicians
One of the strangest sights at the RNC was the scores of people wearing ear bandages in support of Trump. That’s a turn not seen before.
Forgiving of Trump’s Misdemeanours
There was a conspicuous absence of talk around the recent convictions of Donald Trump, and anyone who did a vox pop interview on the subject didn’t seem to mind they were supporting a convicted felon.
Right Wing America, Reinvented
Gone are the days of Bush – this is the new right. You’re either with them, or you’re a fake-news, hate-spreading enemy of freedom. Things could get crazy.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / GoncharGonchar.