Milwaukee, the Heart of Harley-Davidson, Hosts a Republican National Convention Aimed at Rejuvenating the GOP for a New Era
The Republican Party’s national convention in Milwaukee, the birthplace of Harley-Davidson, has been a showcase of both tradition and transformation. Just as Harley-Davidson is shifting toward electric motorcycles to adapt to the modern market, the GOP is attempting to reinvent itself under the leadership of Donald Trump, seeking a second term as president.
On July 15, during the opening day of the convention, delegates from all 50 states pledged their support for Trump. This display of unity came after an assassination attempt on Trump just days before the event, which seemed to give him a new, calmer demeanor. Amidst the highly anticipated support from the party’s traditional base, there was an unexpected show of diversity, including millennial and multiracial supporters, such as rapper Amber Rose and union leader Sean O’Brien, signaling an effort to broaden the party’s appeal.
While Trump remains the central figure, the convention also saw former rivals, like South Carolina’s Nikki Haley, publicly endorsing him, acknowledging the need for a unified and diverse party to win the upcoming election. Delegates expressed optimism about the GOP’s future, emphasizing that a “big tent” approach, welcoming people from all walks of life, is key to success.
The 2024 GOP platform, revealed just ahead of the convention, signaled a shift on key issues like abortion, moving away from supporting a national ban and instead focusing on opposition to “late-term abortion.” The convention also disavowed the conservative Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, which had outlined extreme proposals for Trump’s second term.
Despite attempts to broaden the party’s appeal, challenges remain. While polling suggests a growing number of black, Hispanic, and younger voters may be more open to supporting Trump than in previous elections, the GOP ticket remains predominantly white and male, unlike the Democratic Party, which has fielded more diverse candidates.
As the convention continued, the GOP aimed to expand its base while still appealing to its core conservative values, all while gearing up for the November election. For Trump, this is not only a campaign for the presidency but an effort to reshape the party and its future direction.
