Republican U.S. Senate nominee Dave McCormick spoke at the Republican National Convention (RNC) on Tuesday of the “remarkable strength” displayed by former President Donald Trump immediately after he survived the Saturday assassination attempt, and argued the former president’s example stands in contrast to the weakness and “disgraceful decline” offered by President Joe Biden and Senator Bob Casey (D-PA).
McCormick spoke on the second night of the RNC, which was titled “Make America Safe Once Again.” The former Trump administration official began by revealing his experience at the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania.
“I witnessed from a literal front row seat in Butler, President Trump’s remarkable strength and resolve in a terrifying and unpredictable moment,” he said.
McCormick explained, “The president rose brilliantly to the challenge,” alluding to Trump’s fist pumps that energized the crowd after a bullet pierced his ear.
McCormick added, “We all thank God that President Trump is okay.”
The Republican also spoke of the other victims of the rally, including the family of former fire chief Casey Comperatore, who died during the shooting while shielding his family with his body.
Pivoting to his own election, McCormick argued Casey “has been warming a chair and drawing a paycheck” since he was elected in 2004.
“He’s a do-nothing, out-of-touch, liberal, career politician. And when he votes, it’s for Joe Biden’s old, tired ideas,” he said.
McCormick added, “Casey’s been around so long the number one song in America when he was first elected was the Macarena.”
Alluding to the day’s theme of safety, McCormick pointed to the immigration crisis and appointment of liberal judges as evidence Biden and Casey “are dangerous for Pennsylvania and America” and “won’t keep us safe.”
Turning to the economy, McCormick added, “Biden and Casey’s failed policies have crushed working families with sky-high prices for gas, groceries, and rent.”
He concluded the speech by arguing voters will choose between “strength and weakness” at the polls in November.
“My friends, the choice this November is clear: It’s a choice between strength and weakness,” he said.
McCormick added that the choice is ultimately “between America’s greatness or its sad, disgraceful decline.”
McCormick confirmed after the attempted assassination that he was just feet away from Trump and preparing to join him onstage at the time of the attack. A reporter who attended the rally told The Pennsylvania Star the former White House official was “definitely in the line of fire.”
The Republican was “in one of the first rows,” the attendee explained to The Star, adding, “the bullets would have passed over” McCormick’s head.
Watch McCormick’s full speech at the 2024 RNC:
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Tom Pappert is the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star, and also reports for The Pennsylvania Daily Star and The Arizona Sun Times. Follow Tom on X/Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Dave McCormick” by Dave McCormick.
