A tightly choreographed show has been unfolding in this city, the home of Harley-Davidson.
Like that celebrated, muscular American motorcycle recognisable all over the world, the Republican Party is also a Wisconsin baby.
The party – almost 50 years older than the motorbike – was founded here to oppose the advance of slavery in the American West.
And just as the loud, heavyweight Harleys are turning electric in a bid to reverse falling sales, the Republican Party is trying to rejig its fortunes by reinventing itself for today’s voters.
On July 15, the first day of the ongoing four-day national convention of the party, under skies patrolled by drones, choppers and screeching seagulls hovering over the arena, delegations from 50 states rose turn by turn to give their pledges of support to former United States president Donald Trump who is seeking a second term.
That show of support for the 78-year-old who escaped an assassination bid just days before the convention was widely anticipated.
Less expected was the sight of a millennial, multiracial rapper with a tattooed head and a union leader – not typical supporters of what is often called the party of conservative white men – who took the stage to hail him.
The presence of rapper Amber Rose, who said she felt free to express herself in Trump’s party, was a signal to her 24 million followers on Instagram.
Mr Sean O’Brien, the president of the Teamsters, likewise suggested it was okay for union workers to forsake loyalty to President Joe Biden.
On the second day, nearly all the Republicans who had tried for months to prevent the former president from becoming the party nominee made speeches about Trump’s fitness for the job.
Esta historia es de la edición July 18, 2024 de The Straits Times.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición July 18, 2024 de The Straits Times.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Under-16s need more exposure, says fraternity
There are valuable lessons to be learnt from the Singapore Under-16 football team's defeats at the recent Lion City Cup (LCC), said the community on Oct 8.
Kane given 'all-clear' for Nations League games
LONDON – Captain Harry Kane has been given the green light to remain with England for their upcoming Nations League fixtures on Oct 7, after the striker was examined by Football Association (FA) medical staff.
Historic Ohtani 50-50 ball remains in play as auction continues
LOS ANGELES – The owner of the ball that Shohei Ohtani hit for his historic 50th homer of 2024 remains in dispute, but the souvenir will continue to be auctioned off while legal proceedings continue.
DJOKOVIC STORMS PAST COBOLLI
Serb eases into Shanghai Masters last 16 after days of schedule disruption due to rain
France Rugby plans to impose strict discipline
PARIS - French Rugby Federation (FFR) president Florian Grill announced on Oct 7 an overhaul of the system of discipline in the France teams after a summer tour of Argentina was overshadowed by claims of attempted rape and racism.
CHAMPS GALORE AT SWIM WORLD CUP IN S'PORE
Star-studded cast includes Marchand, Pan, le Clos, McKeown, Zhang and Douglass
BOY XANDER LOOKING FRESH FOR THE TASK
Two-time Kranji winner returns after 29 months out, goes well in training on Oct 8
Turn down the K-pop and pay attention to K-healing
The rise of South Korean books about burnout has taken the world by storm.
How is it that Netanyahu is able to keep defying Biden?
The 'tail wagging the dog' situation is not simply about the power of the 'Israel Lobby'. Other factors in the patron-client relationship are in play too.
Most Asean fund managers avoiding new economy firms
Uncertainty over future returns, growth prospects among factors