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.
Latest headlines:
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.
Trump takes a walk around RNC stage
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
Vance says he'll 'make the case' to put Trump back in White House in RNC speech
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
Harris accepts 3rd date option offered by CBS for VP debate
Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday accepted a third date option proposed by CBS News for a vice-presidential debate, a Biden campaign official said.
The new proposed date is for Monday, Aug. 12, according to the Biden campaign.
"Now that the Trump campaign has selected a running mate, we encourage them to agree to a debate between Vice President Harris and Senator Vance," the campaign official said.
On May 16, CBS News offered two debate date options on either July 23 (the week after the RNC) or Aug. 13 (the week before the DNC), which Harris accepted at the time.
The next day Trump accepted a Fox News proposal for his eventual running mate -- who we now know is Vance.
"On behalf of the future Vice President of the United States, who I have not yet chosen, we hereby accept the Fox Vice Presidential Debate, hopefully at Virginia State University, the first Historically Black College or University to host a Debate - Date to be determined," Trump posted on Truth Social at the time. "I urge Vice President Kamala Harris to agree to this. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"
Fox News’ VP debate offer was for the same dates CBS News originally offered.
-ABC News' Fritz Farrow, Gabriella Abdul-Hakim and Will McDuffie