Donald Trump was welcomed to the Republican National Convention by his former rivals, who only months ago were showering him with criticism. This show of unity contrasts with the growing divisions that are tearing apart the Democratic Party, AP noted, cited by BTA.
Former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, who was Trump's last remaining opponent in the intra-party election, addressed her supporters directly after taking the stage to a mix of cheers and boos. "My message to them is simple: You don't always have to agree with Trump to vote for him," Haley said.
She was followed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a onetime Trump ally turned primary rival who has been trying to rebuild his relationship with the former president since dropping out of the race.
"Donald Trump has been demonized. He was judged. He was persecuted. And he almost lost his life. We can't pass it on. And we cannot betray America," he said.
The displays of unity — typical of such political conventions, where the goal is to unify the party after bitter primaries — are in stark contrast to the dynamic among Democrats, many of whom are not sure Joe Biden is the right choice to run. against Trump in the November election, AP notes.