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."
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.
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Conway on Trump: 'This is a man I know'
Kellyanne Conway, who was Trump's campaign manager in 2016 and one of his longest-serving aides, said she got to know Trump in a "foxhole." She said he had a long record of promoting women and signature qualities of "strength and toughness."
"We don’t get those policies without that personality," Conway said.
"We win through addition, not division," she added, encouraging Republicans to reach out and expand their tent.
Gov. Burgum focuses on energy
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, a one-time presidential hopeful and a top candidate for Trump's running mate, largely focused on energy during his speech.
"Who will make America energy dominant?" Burgum asked, as the crowd shouted in response, "Trump!"
Burgum said Trump "champions innovation over regulation" and will "make sure that America is selling energy to our allies versus buying it from our adversaries."
During his speech, some attendees could be seen waving signs that said, "American oil from American soil."
East Palestine mayor praises Trump's support after toxic train derailment
East Palestine, Ohio, Mayor Trent Conaway took the stage, praising the first responders who rushed to help after a freight train carrying hazardous materials derailed last year.
He criticized the federal response, claiming the Biden administration "talked and talked, but they delivered little help."
Conaway went after Biden for not visiting the town in the immediate aftermath and praised Trump for coming to the town less than three weeks after the incident.
"I know a thing or two about train wrecks now and let me tell you, that is what the Biden administration has been," he said.
In an exclusive interview with ABC News anchor David Muir in February 2023, Biden said he "made it clear" to officials on the ground that "anything they need, we'll make it available to them."
The comments came after East Palestine's mayor called it a "slap in the face" that Biden traveled to Ukraine while his town felt forgotten in the weeks after the crisis. Biden went to East Palestine a year later.
Immigration is tonight's most animating theme
The title for this session is "Make America Strong Again," with speeches centered on foreign policy and national security.
Speakers have discussed China, Russia and energy policy.
But immigration, specifically border security, has stoked the most audience reaction -- with attendees often waving "Mass Deportation Now!" signs.
"Send them back!" chants started as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott spoke about bussing migrants to Democratic cities.