Trump Meets Half the Moment in His RNC Speech

Republicans in Milwaukee put on a first-rate and unified show this week, and the question for Donald Trump was whether he could cap it off with a speech that would broaden his political appeal. He met the moment for about 30 minutes before devolving into a rambling stump speech that probably had many Americans heading for bed.

The former President had the audience rapt as he recounted his near-assassination on Saturday in Butler, Pa. This was a subdued, even somber Donald Trump that Americans rarely see. He struck notes of national unity and optimism. He said his campaign is rooted in “confidence, strength and hope.”

Mr. Trump seemed genuinely grateful to the Secret Service and for the bravery of the crowd in Butler that didn’t panic even after the shots were fired. His tribute to Corey Comperatore, the firefighter who was killed by the shooter, was moving.