RNC 2024 Day 3 updates: JD Vance touts working class roots in debut as VP nominee

The theme at the RNC on Wednesday is "Make America Strong Once Again."

Last Updated: July 17, 2024, 11:38 PM EDT

Day three of the Republican National Convention centered around vice presidential candidate JD Vance as he introduced himself to Republicans as Trump's running mate.

The day was held under the theme of "Make America Strong Once Again."

Former President Donald Trump made an appearance at the convention hall to watch his running mate make his national debut. Other notable speakers included Trump's son and granddaughter and several Gold Star families who expressed their support for the former president.

Despite calls for unity, several speakers spent time bashing President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and the Democrats on several issues including immigration, crime and Israel.

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news is developing:
Jul 17, 2024, 5:48 PM EDT

What delegates want to hear from JD Vance tonight

Outside the convention center, two delegates spoke with ABC News Digital about what they want to hear when J.D. Vance gives his first speech since being tapped as Trump's running mate.

"I don't know him very well," said one delegate from New Jersey. "I mean, we all know that he was maybe not a fan of President Trump's, which makes it even more interesting, right? But I do think he has the same values."

ABC News spoke to delegates outside the Republican National Convention after Donald Trump named J.D. Vance as his running mate.
1:47

RNC delegates react to Trump announcing Vance as VP

ABC News spoke to delegates outside the Republican National Convention after Donald Trump named J.D. Vance as his running mate.
ABCNews.com

"That's what we will want to hear tonight, that he has our values that he is going to, you know, that he's going to follow through on those values and when he is only the Vice President, but we're looking forward to four years from now," she said.

Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. J.D. Vance speaks during a fundraiser at Discovery World Science and Technology Museum, on July 17, 2024, in Milwaukee.
Carolyn Kaster/AP

Another delegate from California said she was more familiar with Vance, having previously read his memoir "Hillbilly Elegy."

"He's young, he's smart and he knows what he's doing. He has a great compelling story, grew up in poverty, made it to the American dream. What could be more better than that?" she said.

-ABC News' Alexandra Hutzler

Jul 17, 2024, 4:56 PM EDT

Kai Trump prepares for speech

Kai Trump, the granddaughter of Trump, was seen on stage at the RNC on Wednesday afternoon preparing for her speech later tonight.

The teen is slated to address the RNC at 9 p.m. CT/10 p.m. ET on Wednesday, the same night as her father, Donald Trump Jr.

Learn more about the eldest of Trump's 10 grandchildren here.

Kai Trump and her father Donald Trump Jr. participate in a walkthrough on stage prior to the third day of the Republican National Convention (RNC) in the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 17, 2024.
Shawn Thew/EPA via Shutterstock

Jul 17, 2024, 4:01 PM EDT

Trump takes a walk around RNC stage

Former president and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump stands at the lectern during a sound check on the third day of the 2024 Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on July 17, 2024.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

Trump arrived at the RNC Wednesday afternoon and walked around the stage in preparation of his acceptance speech slated for Thursday.

He spent nearly five minutes practicing his entrance, pointing at the teleprompter, and adjusting his stance. He was joined by an entourage of campaign staff.

-ABC News' Kelsey Walsh

Jul 17, 2024, 3:26 PM EDT

Vance says he'll 'make the case' to put Trump back in White House in RNC speech

Republican vice-presidential candidate J.D. Vance arrives for the second day of the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, July 16, 2024.
Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images

Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance spoke at a fundraiser Wednesday afternoon where he gave a preview of what he will say during his speech at the Republican National Convention on Wednesday night.

"Now we're going to get out there and try to fire up the crowd tonight and make the case, a very easy case to make, but an important case to make that we have got to reelect President Donald J. Trump to the White House," Vance said.

Vance said that he will talk about the attempted assassination of Trump and how he has not wavered.

"He keeps on persevering. He keeps on fighting. President Trump has taken everything that they've thrown at him, and he's come out stronger, and the country has come out better for his service."

-ABC News' Hannah Demissie