Reporting from Cleveland — Donald Trump’s Thursday night address, indeed his entire Republican convention, represented a high-risk bet: that a strong desire for change in November will defy the demographic and political tides that have defeated the last two Republican presidential nominees.
The Republican nominee only glancingly reached out to voters other than the ones who led him to victory in the Republican primaries, who make up a much smaller proportion of the November electorate.
He repeatedly spoke of the perils of illegal immigration and trade deals, positions that invigorate the white, blue-collar voters with whom he is most popular.
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But apart from a mention of college tuition ills, he said nothing about fresh issues or emphases that might be helpful in attracting women, minority voters or young Americans, the three groups whose increasingly Democratic alliances represent the greatest threat to his candidacy. Those voters were key to successive Republican defeats in 2008 and 2012 — and their numbers have grown since.
Appeals to a broader audience were left to Trump’s daughter Ivanka, who introduced her father. She said that he planned to provide for quality childcare, equal pay for women, and college aid. None of those issues had been a priority for her father during the long months of the primary campaign, and none was mentioned in his speech.
Instead, the speech, the most anticipated event of the four-day convention, was a slightly more formal, if lengthy, version of the one Trump has been delivering in the 13 months since he entered the race.
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He presented a bleak view of America, blamed President Obama for dividing the country by race, and accused Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton of being a “puppet” of a “rigged system” that spreads “destruction.”
Only toward the end of his 75-minute address did Trump graft on a bit of optimism, suggesting that the nation’s problems have all been caused by politicians and would be quickly solved with his election.
“America is a nation of believers, dreamers and strivers that is being led by a group of censors, critics and cynics,” he said.
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His tone was entirely in keeping with the convention, which repeatedly foundered over internal divisions but found emphatic unanimity in its opposition to Clinton and to any extension of Obama’s tenure.
One of the audience’s most vociferous reactions came when Trump said that the FBI had used mild terms regarding Clinton’s private email use as secretary of State to “save her from facing justice for her terrible crimes.”
“Lock her up! Lock her up!” delegates shouted.
Trump came into the convention’s final night with Republicans hoping for a rapid change of conversation after days in which self-inflicted wounds had interfered with the highest-profile opportunity for the new nominee to impress American voters.
With patriotic staging and thematic appeals, conventions are meant to flesh out the candidate, as if turning a black-and-white stick figure into a lushly defined future president. Done well, they are minutely timed, extended campaign commercials whose worst quality is that they’re perfect to the point of boring.
This one was far from that.
On none of the four nights did the message put out by the speakers wholly match the theme organizers had set for the day. Speakers who were meant to emphasize the need to create jobs, for example, were spread out over several nights, diluting what could have been a more forceful presentation of Republican goals on Tuesday, the night employment was supposed to be the theme.
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With their families behind them, Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump and Vice Presidential nominee Mike Pence are cheered on by delegates at the close of the final day of the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland.
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Balloons drop at the end of the the Republican National Convention in Cleveland.
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On the final night of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Donald Trump celebrates his nomination with his family, and running mate Mike Pence and family.
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Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump waves during the final night of the Republican National Convention, on July 21, 2016, in Cleveland.
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Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump, and Republican Vice Presidential Nominee Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana wave as they stand with their families at the conclusion of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Confetti falls after Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump, addresses the delegates during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Delegates celebrate at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland.
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A sign is left on the chairs as delegate leaves after the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) (Carolyn Kaster / AP)
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New Jersey delegate Christine Serrano Glassier lays on the balloons after the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Confetti and balloons fall during celebrations after Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s acceptance speech on the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump pumps his fist as while standing with his wife Melania, son Barron and Republican Vice Presidential Nominee Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana at the conculsion of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Republican vice presidential candidate Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana waves as confetti and balloons fall during celebrations after Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s acceptance speech on the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump hugs his son Barron as wife Melania watches during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Confetti and balloons fall during celebrations after Donald Trump’s acceptance speech on the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Confetti and balloons fall during celebrations after Donald Trump’s acceptance speech on the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump and wife Melania Trump smile on stage after Trump’s acceptance speech during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Republican Presidential Candidate Donald J. Trump, waves as he walks onto the stage during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump, wraps up his acceptance speech during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump, speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump, speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump, speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Supporters watch Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speak on a outdoor screen in downtown on Thursday, July 21, 2016, in Cleveland, during the final day of the Republican convention.
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Supporters watch Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speak on a outdoor screen in downtown on Thursday, July 21, 2016, in Cleveland, during the final day of the Republican convention.
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Republican Presidential Candidate Donald J. Trump speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Republican Presidential Candidate Donald J. Trump, during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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A protester is taken away as Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Donald Trump speaking during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. (Carolyn Kaster / AP)
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Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump, speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump takes the stage during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump gestures as he speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Ivanka Trump, daughter of Republican Presidential Nominee Donald J. Trump, waves as she walks off stage after introduction her father during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Ivanka Trump, daughter of Republican Presidential Nominee Donald J. Trump, speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Ivanka Trump, daughter of Republican Presidential Nominee Donald J. Trump, speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Tom Barrack, CEO of Colony Capital speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Republican Vice Presidential Nominee Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana, center, talks to Donald Trump, Jr., son of Republican Presidential Candidate Donald J. Trump during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Entrepreneur Peter Thiel speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Delegates dance during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Diane Pennacchio from Montville, N.J., waits for the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Alaska delegate Saul Soltero waves a Trump flag during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Patrick O’Daniel from Austin, Texas, center, and his fellow texas delegates wave their hats during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Gov. Mary Fallin of Oklahoma speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Arizona walks on the stage to speak during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 21, 2016.
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Former NFL quarterback Fran Tarkenton speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Heavenly Joy performs during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Ayla Brown, sings the National Anthem during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Thursday, July 21, 2016.
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Police officer, Dan Brown gets sprayed with bubbles by Avery Jordan, 2, in Public Square on Thursday, July 21, 2016, in Cleveland, during the final day of the Republican convention.
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Donald Trump does a sound check on the final day of the Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland on July 21, 2016.
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Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, Donald’s Trump’s running mate, gestures to the crowd on the third day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 20, 2016.
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Republican Vice Presidential candidate Mike Pence delivers a speech on the third day of the Republican National Convention on July 20, 2016, in Cleveland.
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Donald Trump stands with his family during the third day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 20, 2016.
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Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump attends the third day of the Republican National Convention on July 20, 2016 in Cleveland.
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Former U.S. Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich arrives to speak on the third day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 20, 2016.
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Eric Trump talks about his father during the third day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 20, 2016.
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Texas Sen. Ted Cruz addresses the delegates during the third day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 20, 2016.
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Texas Sen. Ted Cruz gestures as he walks off stage after delivering his speech, and being heavily booed, on the third day of the Republican National Convention on July 20, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
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Donald Trump and his family members listen to Ted Cruz’s speech at the Republican National Convention on July 20, 2016, in Cleveland.
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Donald Trump and his daughter Ivanka at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 20, 2016.
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Conventiongoers react to Sen. Ted Cruz as he addresses delegates during the third day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 20, 2016.
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Attendees react to Sen. Ted Cruz’s speech on the third day of the Republican National Convention on July 20, 2016 in Cleveland.
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Delegates hold up signs in support of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump (and one for Ted Cruz) during the opening of the third day of the Republican National Convention on July 20, 2016 in Cleveland.
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A video of Florida Sen. Marco Rubio is displayed during the third day of the Republican National Convention on July 20, 2016 in Cleveland.
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Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker speaks on the third day of the Republican National Convention on July 20, 2016 in Cleveland.
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Lynne Patton, Vice President of the Eric Trump Foundation, delivers a speech on the third day of the Republican National Convention on July 20, 2016 in Cleveland.
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A delegate cheers as he hoists a sign on day three of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 20, 2016.
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Darrell Scott, senior pastor of New Spirit Revival Center Ministries, speaks during the third day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 20, 2016.
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South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley poses for a photo with a delegate on the third day of the Republican National Convention on July 20, 2016 in Cleveland.
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Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks on the third day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 20, 2016.
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Retired astronaut Eileen Collins speaks during the third day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 20, 2016.
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Eric Trump kisses his wife Lara’s hand during the third day of the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 20, 2016.
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Radio Host Laura Ingraham speaks on the third day of the Republican National Convention on July 20, 2016, in Cleveland.
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Delegates dance before the start of the third day of the Republican National Convention on July 20, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
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Attendees stand during the Pledge of Allegiance on the third day of the Republican National Convention on July 20, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
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Delegates and attendees dance before the start of the third day of the Republican National Convention on July 20, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
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Law enforcement officers take protesters into custody July 20, 2016, in Cleveland during the third day of the Republican convention.
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Donald Trump and his family attend a welcome arrival event with Governor Mike Pence and his family at the Great Lakes Science Centre on July 20, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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A protestor burns a US flag near the entrance to Quicken Loans Arena, site of the Republican National Convention, in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 20, 2016.
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A delegate reacts after Donald Trump was officially nominated during the roll call of states for the nomination of Donald Trump on the second day of the 2016 Republican National Convention at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland on July 19, 2016.
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United Kingdom Independence Party (IKIP) leader Nigel Farage looks on during the McClatchy Morning Buzz at the RNC on July 20, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. UKIP leader Nigel Farage spoke in conversation with McClatchy Senior White House Correspondent Steve Thomma.
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Buttons supporting Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump are on display on July 20, 2016, in Cleveland, during the third day of the Republican convention.
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Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence makes a fist during the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016, at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
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A delegate cheers during the roll call of states on the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016, at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Daughter of Donald Trump, Tiffany Trump, delivers a speech on the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
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A protester is confronted by police during a rally outside the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio on July 19, 2016.
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Dr. Ben Carson speaks on the second day of the Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland on July 19, 2016.
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Donald Trump delivers an address via video to delegates on the second day of the Republican National Convention at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 19, 2016.
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Donald Trump’s children, from left, Donald Jr., Ivanka and Eric, celebrate on the Republican National Convention floor in Cleveland on July 19, 2016.
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A protester confronts an Akron police officer during a demonstration near the site of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Donald Trump Jr. speaks on the second day of the Republican National Convention at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 19, 2016.
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New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie delivers a speech on the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Speaker of the House Paul Ryan delivers a speech on the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Donald Trump delivers an address via video to delegates on the second day of the 2016 Republican National Convention at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 19, 2016.
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A screen projects Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump clinches the GOP nomination on the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Corey Lewandowski, the former campaign manager of Donald Trump, announces the vote for New Hampshire during the roll call of states on the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19, 2016 at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Members of the Maine delegation cheer as the roll call vote is held during the second day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Tuesday, July 19, 2016.
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California delegates cheer during the second day session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Tuesday, July 19, 2016.
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The roll call vote is conducted in the Quicken Loans Arena during the second day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Tuesday, July 19, 2016.
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Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., nominates Donald Trump as the Republican candidate for President during the second day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Tuesday, July 19, 2016.
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Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, speaks during the second day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Tuesday, July 19, 2016. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
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Supporters of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump yell as police watch at Public Square on July 19, 2016, in Cleveland, during the second day of the Republican convention.
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Police officers stand in formation in between opposing groups of demonstrators in Public Square on Tuesday, July 19, 2016, in Cleveland, during the second day of the Republican convention.
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Alex Jones, a conspiracy theorist and radio show host, is escorted out of a crowd of protesters after he said he was attacked in Public Square on July 19, 2016, in Cleveland, during the second day of the Republican convention.
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Police stand guard as a group of religioius extremists holds a protest near the site of the Republican National Convention in downtown Cleveland on July 19, 2016.
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Law enforcement stands watch near a large poster of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at Public Square on July 19, 2016, in Cleveland, during the second day of the Republican convention.
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Tevor Leis, exercising his Ohio open carry rights, stands armed in Public Square on July 19, 2016, in Cleveland, during the second day of the Republican convention.
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Donald Trump Jr., son of Republican presidential vandidate Donald Trump, talks with reporters on the stage of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 19, 2016.
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Donald Trump Jr., son of of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, talks to reporters after his sound check at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 19, 2016.
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Brad Houston sells souvenirs at Public Square on July 19, 2016, in Cleveland during the second day of the Republican convention.
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Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump gives a thumbs up to the crowd after his wife, Melania, delivered a speech on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016, at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
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Melania Trump, wife of presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, delivers a speech on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016, at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
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Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump introduces his wife, Melania, on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016, at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
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Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump gives s thumbs up while introducing his wife, Melania, on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016, at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
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Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump enters the stage to introduce his wife, Melania, on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016, at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.
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Two men wearing Donald Trump hats and holstered pistols are detained by the Secret Service near the entrance of the secure area of the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland.
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On the first night of the Republican National Convention, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie enters the arena in Cleveland.
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Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani speaks during the opening day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 18, 2016.
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On the first night of the Republican National Convention, delegates from Texas wave their hats in response to veterans.
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David Clarke, sheriff of Milwaukee County, Wis., salutes after speaking during the opening day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 18, 2016.
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On the first night of the Republican National Convention, former Sen. Bob Dole is in attendance.
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On the first night of the Republican National Convention, Newt Gingrich holds his hand over his heart during the Pledge of Allegiance.
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Pat Smith, mother of Benghazi victim Sean Smith, salutes after speaking during the opening day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 18, 2016.
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Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry walks toward the podium before addressing delegates during the opening day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 18, 2016.
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Actor Scott Baio gives two thumbs up after addressing the delegates during the opening day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 18, 2016.
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Anti-Trump protesters march to Perk Plaza during a demonstration July 18, 2016, in Cleveland, during the first day of the Republican convention.
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Delegates cheer after GOP officials upheld a voice vote on a rules package during the Republican National Convention in Cleveland.
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Illinois delegate Christian Gramm, left, and other delegates react as some call for a roll call vote on the adoption of the rules during the first day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 18, 2016.
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Delegates react as some delegates call for a roll call vote on the adoption of the rules during the opening day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 18, 2016.
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Reince Priebus, chairman of the Republican National Committee, bangs the gavel as resolutions are adopted during first day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 18, 2016.
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Rep. Steve Womack, R-Ark., listens to a voice vote on the adoption of the rules during the opening day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 18, 2016.
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Two people argue in a public square near the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 18, 2016.
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Delegates bow their heads in prayer as the Republican National Convention gets underway in Cleveland.
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Delegates walk outside of Quicken Loans Arena before the opening session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland on July 18, 2016.
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Tom Pauken, Republican delegate from Texas, takes off his hat before the start of the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016, at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Pamphlets on the chairs of the state delegates on the floor on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 18, 2016, at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, R-Wis., joined by his wife Janna Ryan, checks out the stage during preparation for the Republican National Convention inside Quicken Loans Arena on July 17, 2016, in Cleveland.
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A convention attendee walks through downtown Cleveland on July 17, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio. A
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Police patrol on horseback through downtown Cleveland on July 17, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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A man wearing a Donald Trump mask walks through downtown on July 17, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Comedian Stephen Colbert tapes a segment on the floor of the Republican National Convention for CBS’s “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” at the Quicken Loans Arena on July 17, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio.
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Workers place a sign as they prepare at Quicken Loans Arena for the Republican National Convention on July 17, 2016, in Cleveland.
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Daniel Shepherd levels a pole marking the section for delegates from the District of Columbia in preparation for the Republican National Convention in the Quicken Loans Arena on July 16, 2016.
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Workers hang signage on July 16, 2016, inside the Quicken Loans Arena, the site of the 2016 Republican National Convention.
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The finishing touches are added to a large American flag on the outside of the Quicken Loans Arena on July 15, 2016.
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A podium microphone and teleprompters stand ready on stage ahead of the Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans Arena on July 16, 2016.
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Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson, left, and director of the Secret Service Joseph Clancy tour the floor of the Quicken Loans Arena as final preparations continue for the Republican National Convention on July 15, 2016.
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A police dog patrols the floor of the Quicken Loans Arena on July 15, 2016.
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A news photographer snags images of nets filled with thousands of red, white and blue balloons before they are lifted into the ceiling of the Quicken Loans Arena on July 15, 2016.
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Workers position nets filled with balloons as preparations continue for the Republican National Convention at the Quicken Loans Arena on July 15, 2016.
(Mark J. Terrill / AP)
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A city ambassador bikes past the Quicken Loans Arena amid preparations for the arrival of visitors and delegates to the Republican National Convention on July 15, 2016.
(Dominick Reuter / AFP/Getty Images)
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Part of the difficulties stem from lingering problems between substantial portions of the party and its new leader. Many of the guests onstage spent little time talking about Trump, a reflection of the distance some Republicans are putting between themselves and him.
On Wednesday night, Trump’s most persistent primary opponent, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, appeared onstage and told delegates — and the extended television audience — to vote their consciences in November. That tacit suggestion that they consider abandoning the party’s nominee underscored the ideological battles dividing Republicans.
It is also the case that Trump holds a quirky ideology that combines Wall Street and populist flavors, a mix not seen in a nominee in recent decades. Thursday night demonstrated that anew.
Trump talked of his opposition to international trade deals that have been highly popular within his party, and U.S. involvement in Mideast conflicts that began under a Republican president.
But he also strode in the path of other Republicans, chiefly Richard Nixon, in casting himself as a president who would clamp down on an out-of-control society and blaming “elites” for spurning common Americans.
He vowed to make Americans safe here and abroad, exaggerating to suggest that crime is rising dramatically — it isn’t — and saying that when he takes office, he “will restore law and order to our country.”
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But at the same time, he hit on some themes more common to Democrats. He went out of his way to vow to protect gay Americans — at least from attacks by jihadi terrorists — although he said nothing about extending their rights in this country.
The problem facing Trump is that while Republicans have largely forgiven his ideological diversions, his strongly conservative positions — including deporting immigrants who are here without papers, building a giant wall on the U.S.-Mexico border, opposing abortion rights and gun restrictions — are wildly unpopular among America’s expanding voter groups.
Republicans had hoped that the convention would give Trump entrée to those voters by exploring what organizers called the facets of his personality that are not as well-known as his building empire. His adult children — Ivanka, Eric, Tiffany and Donald Jr. — all testified to their father’s drive, kindness and support. Friends also offered testimonials.
But Trump is an outsized personality, and it is his characterizations, not anecdotes related third-hand, that are likely to matter the most to voters. He still has explained his broad goals more than how he would achieve them; he said Thursday that he would dispatch ISIS and solve economic problems swiftly, as if they were easy marks.
The current president has, of course, tried to do that as well. If voters decide that Obama’s path is worth pursuing further, Clinton’s odds of victory improve.
But Trump is betting that what they want is change, and that voters’ desire for a new course will overcome the demographic momentum that has swamped the last two Republican nominees.
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Thursday night, he made clear he would not hedge that bet. In just over three months, he will discover if it pays off.
Cathleen Decker is a former politic analyst for the Los Angeles Times who wrote about the Trump administration and the themes, demographics and personalities central to national and state contests. In 2016 she covered her 10th presidential campaign; she has also covered seven races for governor and a host of U.S. Senate and local elections. She directed The Times’ 2012 presidential campaign coverage. Decker left The Times in 2018.
