When Phillip Wheeler first took in Donald Trump’s face on the wide screens in Milwaukee’s Fiserv arena, he believes he witnessed evidence of a changed man. “It seemed there was something about his face ..
. his look ..
. he really seemed moved. He kind of had a graver countenance about him,” said Wheeler, a state senator representing Eastern Kentucky and a delegate to the Republican National Convention.
Shelley Funke Frommeyer, a state senator and delegate representing Northern Kentucky, described an “air of humility and gentleness” that has suffused this year’s convention proceedings due to Trump’s restrained physical demeanor. “Only when a lion is calm and resting do you see that sort of humility, but it’s beautiful,” she said. Days after the attempted assassination of the former president, Kentucky Republicans are expressing unity in their party and enhanced confidence that Trump will defeat Democratic President Joe Biden in November.
That optimism is pervasive among delegates, even as Kentucky Republicans hold a diminished role at this national party gathering. No Kentuckian has been selected for a speaking role in Milwaukee. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell was absent from the presidential dais of GOP leaders surrounding Trump on the opening night during the roll call vote on the floor.
Rep. Andy Barr is the only Kentucky House member in attendance. And still hasn’t formally endorsed Trump, who will officially accept the Republican presidentia.