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."

ByMeredith Deliso, Ivan Pereira, Chris Boccia, Alexandra Hutzler, and Tal Axelrod
Last Updated: July 17, 2024, 11:33 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:
9 hours and 7 minutes ago

People leaving as Vance continues speaking

Republican vice-presidential candidate, J.D. Vance speaks on stage on the third day of the Republican National Convention, July 17, 2024, in Milwaukee.
Leon Neal/Getty Images

Vance is still speaking, but many people are leaving their seats and moving around, some exiting the arena altogether..

9 hours and 13 minutes ago

Crowd cheers for Vance's mother and her sobriety

Beverly Vance on the third day of the Republican National Convention on July 17, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wis.
Leon Neal/Getty Images

In his speech, JD Vance touched on being raised by his grandmother as his mother struggled with addiction.

"I'm proud to say that tonight my mom is here, 10 years clean and sober," he said, as the crowd gave his mother a standing ovation and chanted, "JD's mom."

9 hours and 20 minutes ago

Crowd engaged, but a little flat as Vance speaks

Republican vice-presidential candidate J.D. Vance gestures as he speaks during the third day of the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, July 17, 2024.
Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP via Getty Images

At times, the crowd joined into chants of "Joe must go" or "memaw" -- but they're not as enthusiastic as they've been other times this convention, despite the arena being a packed house tonight.

Many people remain seated as he speaks, even some the delegates on the floor.

9 hours and 25 minutes ago

As Vance criticizes Biden, crowd says 'Joe must go'

As Vance went after Biden as a "career politician" and slammed his support for various trade deals over the years, the crowd joined in a "Joe must go" chant.

"I agree," Vance said.