Republicans wrapped a nominating convention that celebrated former President Donald Trump not just as a party leader but a living martyr who survived a would-be assassin’s bullet and is ready to work for everyday Americans after a sweeping victory in November. Trump promised to serve all Americans and Republicans painted a softer picture of him than his usual bombastic style. But he also maintained his harsh rhetoric against his political opponents. And he was feted Thursday by figures from the professional wrestling and fighting world. There’s plenty of campaigning left, so the effectiveness of the sometimes contradictory messaging effort remains to be seen. Still, it was a striking four days that showed a party reshaped by Trump’s personality and his politics.
