Trump Formally Nominated As Republican Candidate For 2024 US Presidential Election, Selects Former Critic J D Vance As Vice President

After securing formal nomination as the Republican presidential candidate on Monday (15 July), former US President Donald Trump picked a staunch right-wing ally as his running mate.

The announcement marked the beginning of a celebratory party convention, following an unsuccessful assassination attempt on Trump over the weekend.

Trump announced 39-year-old Ohio Senator J D Vance as his vice presidential pick, rewarding a one-time harsh critic who has evolved into one of his most steadfast and uncompromising supporters in Congress.

Trump, 78, is guaranteed a hero's welcome at the convention in Milwaukee, where delegates delivered their formal nomination two days after the scandal-plagued former president survived an assassination attempt at a rally. "

"As Vice President, J.D. will continue to fight for our Constitution, stand with our Troops, and will do everything he can to help me MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN," Trump posted on Truth Social, news agency AFP reported.

Despite facing numerous legal challenges and having been impeached twice during his first term, Trump remains optimistic about a surprising return to the White House.

Meanwhile, President Joe Biden is struggling with low poll numbers and growing concerns within the Democratic Party about his health.

In the delegates count in Milwaukee, Eric Trump put his father over the threshold on behalf of the Florida delegation, calling him "the greatest president that ever lived."

Vance's selection as Trump's running mate was widely expected. While his presence strengthens the support from the right-wing, it may limit the Trump-Vance campaign's appeal to moderate voters and women.

Vance, a leading figure in the new wave of populism that has risen under Trump, is also among the least experienced vice-presidential candidates in recent history.

He fully supports Trump's isolationist, anti-immigration America First agenda. Vance's positions are even more conservative than Trump's on several issues, including abortion, where he advocates for federal legislation.

Vance first gained recognition with his 2016 memoir "Hillbilly Elegy," which became a bestseller. The book chronicles his Appalachian family's experiences and his modest Rust Belt upbringing, capturing the sentiments of rural, working-class Americans who feel neglected.

After previously opposing Trump and even likening him to "America's Hitler," Vance changed his stance, eventually securing Trump's crucial endorsement in the 2022 Ohio Senate race, which propelled his rapid political ascent.

The convention occurs as the nation grapples with the aftermath of a failed assassination attempt on Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday.

Around 50,000 Republicans have gathered on the shores of Lake Michigan for the four-day event, which takes place just four months before the election.

The assassination attempt, which resulted in one bystander's death, two injuries, and a minor wound to Trump's ear, is expected to be a central topic of discussion during the convention.

Facing criticism for failing to protect Trump from the shooter, the Secret Service assured that it was "fully prepared" to provide security at the convention.

Trump, who leads in several polls despite his conviction in a hush-money criminal case in New York, remains confident.

Meanwhile, 81-year-old Biden is facing calls from his own side to quit the race over concerns around his age.

Biden's campaign issued a statement claiming that the Trump-Vance agenda would "take away Americans' rights, hurt the middle class, and make life more expensive -- all while benefiting the ultra-rich and greedy corporations."

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