• Source:JND
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Two days after surviving an attempted assassination, former US President Donald Trump, on Monday, made a triumphant appearance at the opening night of the Republican National Convention with a bandage over his right ear. Delegates cheered wildly as Trump appeared onscreen backstage and then emerged, visibly emotional, as Lee Greenwood sang "God Bless the USA."

The convention opened with Republican Party Chairman Michael Whatley calling for unity, both within the party and as a nation. "We must unite as a party, and we must unite as a nation," said Whatley as quoted by Associated Press. "We must show the same strength and resilience as President Trump and lead this nation to a greater future," he added. Whatley and other Republican leaders made clear that their calls for harmony did not extend to President Joe Biden and Democrats.

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"Their policies are a clear and present danger to America, to our institutions, our values and our people," said Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson.

The shooting at a Pennsylvania rally on Saturday, where Trump was injured and one man died, was not far from delegates' minds as they celebrated a stark contrast to the anger and anxiety that had marked the previous few days. Some delegates chanted "fight, fight, fight", the same words that Trump was seen shouting to the crowd as the Secret Service ushered him off the stage, his fist raised and face bloodied. "We should all be thankful right now that we are able to cast our votes for President Donald J. Trump after what took place on Saturday," said New Jersey state Sen.

The nomination process reflected Trump's enduring popularity among Republican activists. When he clinched the necessary number of delegates, the arena erupted in celebration, with video screens displaying "OVER THE TOP" as the song "Celebration" played. Throughout the voting, delegates flanked by "Make America Great Again" signs applauded each state's support for a second Trump term.

(With AP Inputs)