Kellyanne Conway praises Donald Trump as an advocate for women saying 'he confides in, consults us and insists that we are equal' in RNC address - without mentioning that she is quitting White House amid bitter rift with daughter, 15

  • Kellyanne Conway praised President Donald Trump as a champion of women in her speech to the Republican National Committee 
  • 'For decades, he has elevated women to senior positions in business and in government. He confides in and consults us, respects our opinion,' she said 
  • She didn't mention she's leaving the White House at end of month to spend time with her family
  • Her 15-year-old daughter Claudia has been an outspoken critic of President Trump on social media 
  • Scroll down to read the full text of her speech 

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Kellyanne Conway praised President Donald Trump as a champion of women in her speech to the Republican National Convention on Wednesday night –without mentioning she was leaving the White House to spend time with her family.

‘For decades, he has elevated women to senior positions in business and in government. He confides in and consults us, respects our opinions, and insists that we are on equal footing with the men,’ she said of Trump, who has seen his approval rating fall among women amid their concerns about his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and racial tensions in the country.

She discussed her own work for the president, including being the first woman to run a major party candidate’s presidential campaign.

‘President Trump helped me shatter a barrier in the world of politics by empowering me to manage his campaign to its successful conclusion. With the help of millions of Americans, our team defied the critics, questionable polls and conventional wisdom — and we won,’ she said.

She did not mention she’s leaving her role as counselor to the president at the end of the month after her 15-year-old daughter Claudia saw her social media posts criticizing her mother’s work for the administration go viral.

Kellyanne Conway praised President Donald Trump as a champion of women in her speech to the Republican National Committee

Kellyanne Conway praised President Donald Trump as a champion of women in her speech to the Republican National Committee

Kellyanne Conway - seen with President Trump on election night in 2016 - did not mention she is leaving the administration at the end of the month

Kellyanne Conway - seen with President Trump on election night in 2016 - did not mention she is leaving the administration at the end of the month

Conway was one of several women touting the president’s support of their gender, including White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany and second lady Karen Pence.

Conway, who's been at Trump's side since he took the oath of office, announced on Sunday evening she was quitting the administration to spend time with her family, saying her children needed 'less drama, more mama'.

Her 15-year-old daughter Claudia also has said was trying to get emancipated from her parents. Conway's husband George Conway is stepping back from his role with a super PAC working against Trump's re-election. 

Kellyanne Conway has been one of Trump's most visible advisers and a frequent defender of his on the TV airwaves, the place he appreciates it the most. 

Her appearance at the convention will likely combine a defense of the president's policies with an appeal to female voters to support him. 

Always ready to spar with the media and quick with quip, Conway survived four White House chiefs of staff and numerous Cabinet secretaries.

She also was criticized for her fast-and-lose approach with the facts, which she famously labeled 'alternative facts.' 

Conway, who also managed Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, appeared unruffled during an appearance Monday at the unveiling of an art exhibit of student work tied to the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment. 

'How am I doing? I'm good. I make my own choices,' she told reporters.  

Kellyanne Conway has been at the White House since President Trump took the oath of office; above she's seen with the president and first lady Melania Trump in June 2019

Kellyanne Conway has been at the White House since President Trump took the oath of office; above she's seen with the president and first lady Melania Trump in June 2019

Conway's 15-year-old daughter Claudia has been an outspoken critic of President Trump on social media

Conway's 15-year-old daughter Claudia has been an outspoken critic of President Trump on social media

During her remarks, Melania Trump painted her husband's weaknesses as strengths when she argued for President Trump's bid for a second term in a speech designed to appeal to female voters on Tuesday night - but also spoke at length on race and coronavirus, setting a strikingly different tone from her husband.

She painted herself as a wife and a mother during her 26-minute remarks, which outlined the reasons women should vote for President Trump in November and addressed the areas where female voters rate him as weak, the coronavirus pandemic and race relations.

And unusually she intervened directly in unfolding events, as violence flared for a second night in Kenosha, WI, in the wake of the police shooting of Jacob Blake, left paralyzed after being shot seven times in the back.    

'I urge people to come together in a civil manner so we can work and live up to our standard American ideals. I also ask people to stop the violence and looting being done in the name of justice,' she said.

Unlike Trump, she said of racial division: 'Like many of you, I have reflected on the racial unrest in our country. We are not proud of parts of our history.'

That set a tonal contrast to her husband, who clapped from the front row of the Rose Garden as she spoke, with her parents just behind him.

And she paid explicit tribute to the dead of the coronavirus pandemic - never using his 'China virus' phrase'  - saying she mourned with those left behind.

Her speech was meant to smooth away her husband's rough edges even as she was careful to stay out of the political arena. It came on a night when Republicans tried to set a positive tone and lay claim to optimism, with Trump pardoning a black bank robber and swearing in five new Americans, both in the White House, while Mike Pence presented a video from Abraham Lincoln's childhood home with ordinary voters paying tribute to Trump.

But it also saw Tiffany and Eric Trump channel their father with his younger daughter making a rare public appearance to rail against big tech and the media claiming they try to 'mentally enslave' people to control what views they hear.

Melania Trump made the case for her husband's second term in a speech designed to appeal to female voters when she addressed the Republican National Convention on Tuesday night

Melania Trump made the case for her husband's second term in a speech designed to appeal to female voters when she addressed the Republican National Convention on Tuesday night

Melania Trump portrayed her husband's blunt statements, which critics call cruel, as honesty and said it was needed for the country

Melania Trump portrayed her husband's blunt statements, which critics call cruel, as honesty and said it was needed for the country

The president leaned in for a kiss...
...but Melania appeared to dodge a kiss on the lips

The president leaned in to kiss his wife on the lips - but Melania appeared to dodge out of the way 

A small crowd of supporters listened to the first lady give her remarks in the White House Rose Garden with President Trump in the front row

A small crowd of supporters listened to the first lady give her remarks in the White House Rose Garden with President Trump in the front row

Melania Trump spoke for nearly 26 minutes on Tuesday night in her convention speech

Melania Trump spoke for nearly 26 minutes on Tuesday night in her convention speech

'Dad, let’s make Uncle Robert very proud this week,' said Eric Trump in his convention speech, referencing his uncle the late Robert Trump, whose funeral service was held at the White House Friday

'Dad, let’s make Uncle Robert very proud this week,' said Eric Trump in his convention speech, referencing his uncle the late Robert Trump, whose funeral service was held at the White House Friday

First daughter Tiffany Trump went after the media, tech giants and the education establishment in her Tuesday night Republican National Convention speech

First daughter Tiffany Trump went after the media, tech giants and the education establishment in her Tuesday night Republican National Convention speech 

What Melania Trump said about...  

RACE PROTESTS 

'I urge people to come together in a civil manner, so we can work and live up to our standard American ideals. I also ask people to stop the violence and looting being done in the name of justice, and never make assumptions based on the color of a person's skin... while debate rages on about issues of race, let's focus on the strides we have made and work together for a better tomorrow for everyone.'    

'AUTHENTIC' DONALD TRUMP 

'We all know Donald Trump makes no secrets about how he feels about things. Total honesty is what we as citizens deserve from our president, whether you like it or not, you always know what he is thinking. And that is because he is an authentic person who loves this country and its people and wants to continue to make it better.' 

THE AMERICAN DREAM

'Growing up as a young child in Slovenia, which was under Communist rule at the time, I always heard about an amazing place called America, a land that stood for freedom and opportunity... my parents worked very hard to ensure our family could not only leave and prosper in America, but also contribute to a nation that allows for people to arrive with a dream and make it reality.' 

DEMOCRATS AND THE MEDIA 

'No matter the amount of negative or false media headlines or attacks from the other side, Donald Trump has not and will not lose focus on you... despite the unprecedented attacks from the media and opposition he will not give up.' 

SOCIAL MEDIA 

'Just like me, I know many of you watch how mean and manipulative social media can be. And just like me I'm sure many of you are looking for answers, how to talk to your children about the downside of technology and their relationships with their peers.' 

THE ELECTION 

'Almost four years ago, we went into election day completely underestimated. Despite what is being said again this year, I know just as you do that Americans will go to the polls and vote on the behalf of their families, our economy, our national security and our children's futures.'  

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The First Lady's speech capped a night where the White House and executive power of the presidency took center stage at the second night of the Republican National Convention.

President Trump book-ended his convention with the trappings of the presidency, issuing a presidential pardon at the beginning, watching immigrants be made citizens in the middle, and ending on the South Lawn with the first lady speaking live from the Rose garden. At the same time Democrats cried foul saying he and his administration repeatedly broke the Hatch act, which bans using government property and employees to aid political campaigns.

Several administration officials participated in the convention on its second night, including economic adviser Larry Kudlow – the former CNBC host who introduced himself to people as 'you know me from TV and radio' - acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf, and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Vice President Mike Pence, Second Lady Karen Pence, outgoing senior adviser Kellyanne Conway, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien, Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross were spotted in the Rose Garden for Melania Trump's remarks with several other guests – some who wore masks and some who did not. 

Melania Trump was introduced in a flashy video that touted her Be Best campaign and was filled with images of her looking glamorous at state events and mom-like with her hugs to children. She walked down the colonnade to dramatic entrance music and a standing ovation, the camera moving ahead of her to trace her every move as she approached the Rose Garden.

Her speech - in contrast with other Trump family members who addressed the convention - showed the human side of the president. 

She spoke of motherhood, even as she did not mention the Trumps' 14-year-old son Barron by name, and said her husband was a man who won't stop fighting for families.

'To mothers and parents everywhere, you're warriors. In my husband, you have a president who will not stop fighting for you and your family. I see how hard he works each day and night and despite the attacks from the media, he will not give up. In fact, if you tell him it cannot be done, he just worked harder,' she said.

She also said the president was a man who supports her and has supported women by giving them high-ranking jobs in his administration.

'Donald is a husband that supports me in all that I do. He has built an administration with unprecedented number of women in leadership roles and fostered an environment where the American people are always the priority. He welcomes different points of view and encourages thinking outside of the box,' she said.

And she humbly asked voters to return the Trump family to the White House for another four years.

'I know I speak for my husband and the family when we say we're so grateful that you trusted him to be your president. We would be honored to serve this incredible country for four more years,' she said.

READ KELLYANNE CONWAY'S FULL FAREWELL SPEECH TO THE RNC

Good Evening. 

One hundred years ago, courageous warriors helped women secure the right to vote. This has been a century worth celebrating, but also a reminder that our democracy is young and fragile. A woman in a leadership role still can seem novel.

Not so for President Trump. For decades, he has elevated women to senior positions in business and in government. He confides in and consults us, respects our opinions, and insists that we are on equal footing with the men. President Trump helped me shatter a barrier in the world of politics by empowering me to manage his campaign to its successful conclusion. With the help of millions of Americans, our team defied the critics, questionable polls and conventional wisdom — and we won.

For many of us, “women’s empowerment” is not a slogan. It comes not from strangers on social media or sanitized language in a corporate handbook. It comes from the everyday heroes who nurture us, who shape us, and who believe in us. I was raised in a household of all women. They were self-reliant and resilient. Their lives were not easy. Money was tight, but we had an abundance of what mattered most: family, faith, freedom.

I learned that in America, limited means does not make for limited dreams. The promise of America belongs to us all. This is a land of inventors and innovators, of entrepreneurs and educators, or pioneers and parents, all contributing to the success and the future of a great nation and her people.

These everyday heroes have a champion in President Trump.

The teacher who took the extra time to help students adjust to months of virtual learning. The nurse who finished a 12-hour shift and then took a brief break only to change her mask, gown and gloves to do it all over again. The small business owner striving to reopen after the lockdown was lifted, and then again after her store was vandalized and looted. The single mom with 2 kids, 2 jobs, 2 commutes and still no health insurance 10 years after she was fed an empty promise. The 96-year old veteran who improbably survived D-Day at Normandy only to face uncertainty at home about whether he can access quality, timely care.

President Trump and Vice President Pence have lifted Americans, provided them with dignity, opportunity and results. I have seen firsthand, many times the President comforting and encouraging a child who has lost a parent, a parent who has lost a child, a worker who lost his job, an adolescent who has lost her way to drugs. “Don’t lose hope” he has told them, assuring them that they are not alone, that we see them, we hear them and that we are here to help them.

There always will be people who have far more than us. Our responsibility is to focus on those who have far less than us. When President Trump asked me to coordinate the White House efforts on combatting the drug crisis, he said, “This is personal, Kellyanne. So many lives have been ruined by addiction and we’ll never even know it because people are ashamed to reach out for help, or they’re not sure who to turn to in their toughest hour.

Rather than look the other way, President Trump stared directly at this drug “crisis next door" and, through landmark, bipartisan legislation has helped secure historic investments in surveillance, interdiction, education, prevention, treatment and recovery. We have a long way to go, but the political inertia that cost lives and the silence and stigma that prevents people in need from coming forward is melting away.

This is the man I know and the President we need. He picks the toughest fights and tackles the most complex problems. He has stood by me, and he will stand up for you.

In honor of the women who empowered me and for the future of the children we all cherish, thank you and God bless you.

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Republicans accuse Joe Biden's Democrats of wanting to bring 'anarchy and looting' to all of America and refusing to honor cops and troops – while claiming Donald Trump is 'fighting for you'

Republicans forged ahead with a tough law and order message on the third day of their nominating convention Wednesday – accusing Joe Biden and Democrats of promoting looting and chaos even as the nation grappled with yet another police shooting and its violent aftermath. 

The virtual convention kicked off in Washington, D.C. with dark warnings form South Dakota's Republican Gov. Kristi Noem, who said Democratic-run cities 'are being overrun by violent mobs.'

'There's looting, chaos, destruction and murder. People who can afford to flee have fled,' she said. 

Another early speaker, GOP Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, celebrated police and firefighters – who she said don't fit into the narrative of leftists.

'Leftists try to turn them into villains. They want to cancel them. But I'm here to tell you these heroes can't be cancelled,' she said.

Michael McHale, who heads the National Association of Police Unions, called the Joe Biden-Kamala Harris ticket 'the most radical anti-police ticket in history.'

He called for 'aggressive federal prosecution of those who attack our police officers,' and said good police officers 'need to know their elected leaders and the department brass have their backs.'

'Unfortunately, chaos results when failed officials in cities like Portland, Minneapolis, Chicago, and New York, make the conscious decision not to support law enforcement,' he said. 'Shootings, murders, looting and rioting occur unabated.' 

The start of the convention featured those and other attacks as the tense situation in Kenosha, Wisconsin continued to unfold, after a police officer shot Jacob Blake, a black man and father of three, in the back multiple times Sunday. The tensions spread to sports, with the Milwaukee Bucks boycotting NBA playoffs in a show of support, followed by LeBron James leading the LA Lakers to boycott the entire season.

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem was the first to speak on night three of the Republican National Convention – and she claimed Joe Biden is a proponent of the 'looting' and 'chaos' that has come from the nationwide protests and riots

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem was the first to speak on night three of the Republican National Convention – and she claimed Joe Biden is a proponent of the 'looting' and 'chaos' that has come from the nationwide protests and riots

'Leftists try to turn them into villains. They want to cancel them. But I'm here to tell you these heroes can't be cancelled,' Tennessee Senator Marsha Black burn said from the Andrew Mellon Auditorium

'Leftists try to turn them into villains. They want to cancel them. But I'm here to tell you these heroes can't be cancelled,' Tennessee Senator Marsha Black burn said from the Andrew Mellon Auditorium

Michael McHale, who heads the National Association of Police Unions, called the Joe Biden-Kamala Harris ticket 'the most radical anti-police ticket in history' as he spoke Tuesday

Michael McHale, who heads the National Association of Police Unions, called the Joe Biden-Kamala Harris ticket 'the most radical anti-police ticket in history' as he spoke Tuesday

Blake, 29, was shot and paralyzed from the waist down by police who were responding to a dispute at the scene on Sunday evening, sparking national outrage and heated protests decrying police brutality. 

The incident took on a tense and familiar rout, as Black Lives Matter protesters took to the streets in outrage, and armed vigilantes staked out territory. 

Hours before the start of the convention Wednesday, police announced the arrest of 17-year old Kyle Rittenhouse as the man in connection in the shooting that left two dead and one seriously wounded.

Soon, Rittenhouse was identified as identifying as occupying a front-row seat just feet form the president at a Trump rally in Iowa in January.  

Counselor to the president Kellyanne Conway, one of the convention speakers, downplayed the sighting in comments to reporters shortly before her speech.   

'We're not responsible for the private conduct of people at our rallies any more than … all the crazy people who have been involved with the Obama-Biden campaigns or other things,' she said.

In stunning response, the Milwaukee Bucks decided to boycott their scheduled playoff basketball game in protest, and the NBA and Major League Baseball soon postponed games altogether. 

The attacks on Biden came even after he hours earlier issued a statement where he condemned 'needless violence' after the violence and fires of Tuesday night.   

'Protesting brutality is a right and absolutely necessary, but burning down communities is not protest, it's needless violence,' Biden said. 'Violence that endangers lives, violence that guts businesses and shutters businesses that serve the community, that's wrong.' 

He also said what he saw in the video of the shooting of Jacob Blake 'makes me sick.' 

'Once again a black man, Jacob Blake, has been shot by the police in broad daylight with the whole world watching,' Biden said. 

'From Seattle and Portland to Washington and New York, Democrat-run cities across this country are being overrun by violent mobs,' Noem said during her remarks. 'The violence is rampant. There's looting, chaos, destruction, and murder'

'From Seattle and Portland to Washington and New York, Democrat-run cities across this country are being overrun by violent mobs,' Noem said during her remarks. 'The violence is rampant. There's looting, chaos, destruction, and murder'

The opening video of the night showed Black Lives Matter protesters rioting in the streets

The opening video of the night showed Black Lives Matter protesters rioting in the streets

Images of 'American heroes' also flashed as the video's narrator and actor Jon Voight said of protesters: 'There are those who condemn our heroes, seek to erase history and deconstruct the American ideal. We made American into something it was never intended to be'

WEDNESDAY CONVENTION SPEAKERS

Vice President Mike Pence

Second lady Karen Pence 

White House counselor Kellyanne Conway

White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany 

Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee 

Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa

Gov. Kristi Noem of South Dakota

Rep. Dan Crenshaw of Texas 

Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York 

Rep. Lee Zeldin of New York

Trump campaign adviser Lara Trump

Congressional candidate Madison Cawthorn of North Carolina

Clarence Henderson, a civil rights activist from the 1960s

Burgess Owens, a former NFL player and Fox News Channel commentator who is running for a House seat in Utah  

Michael McHale, president of the National Association of Police Organizations

Former Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, Pence's national security adviser

Scott Dane, the Executive Director of Associated Contract Loggers and Truckers of Minnesota

Tera Myers, school choice advocate

Sister Deirdre Byrne, the superior of the D.C. Little Workers of the Sacred Hearts

Lou Holtz, retired football coach

Chen Guangcheng, blind legal activist from Shandong Province, China 

Sam Vigil, the widower of Jacqueline Vigil who was shot in driveway of their New Mexico home

Civil rights activist Clarence Henderson

Former Acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell 

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At the convention, Noem, the second-term governor and GOP rising star, opened the third night of the Republican National Convention by bashing Biden for prompting a Democratic agenda she claims promotes looting and chaos.

'It took 244 years to build this great nation - flaws and all - but we stand to lose it in a tiny fraction of that time if we continue down the path taken by the Democrats and their radical supporters,' Governor Kristi Noem said in reference to widespread protests and riots linked to the Black Lives Matter movement.

'From Seattle and Portland to Washington and New York, Democrat-run cities across this country are being overrun by violent mobs,' Noem continued. 'The violence is rampant. There's looting, chaos, destruction, and murder. People that can afford to flee have fled. But the people that can't - good, hard-working Americans - are left to fend for themselves.'

The opening video of the third night, voiced again by actor Jon Voight, flashed clips of Black Lives Matter protesters rioting in the streets and attempting to tear down historical statues and monuments with chains.

In the hours preceding Noem's speech, Biden put out a video on Twitter condemning the violence that had occurred in Kenosha, Wisconsin in response to the police shooting of Jacob Blake.

'Protesting brutality is a right and absolutely necessary, but burning down communities is not protest, it's needless violence,' Biden said. 'Violence that endangers lives, violence that guts businesses and shutters businesses that serve the community, that's wrong,' he added.  

Jack Brewer, a former Philadelphia Eagles player who is being investigated for insider trading, took shots at the Black Lives Matter movement and defended Trump. 

'Are we so offended by the president's campaign slogan … that we're going to ignore that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have collectively been responsible for locking up countless black men for non-violent crimes?' he asked. 

He asked how people could ignore that the Black Lives Matter 'openly on their web site calls for the destruction of the nuclear family.' 

 A line on the blacklivesmatter.com web site states: 'We disrupt the Western-prescribed nuclear family structure requirement by supporting each other as extended families and 'villages' that collectively care for one another, especially our children, to the degree that mothers, parents, and children are comfortable.'

Noem claimed of the rioting, 'our founding principles are under attack.'

'This year, the choice for Americans is between a man who values these ideals and all that can be built because of them, and a man who isn't guided by these ideals and coincidentally, has built nothing,' she said.

'History chooses its heroes for the time in which they live,' Noem concluded. 'But, there is another American hero to be recognized. That is the common American. This is who President Trump is fighting for. He's fighting for you.'

The video kicking off the night set the tone by lauding the 'extraordinary American spirit,' while condemning those they claim are out to undermine that – including Black Lives Matter protesters

'The spirit of heroism thrives in the precedence of tyranny, disaster – it is stronger than any violence,' Voight narrated as images and clips of revolutions and disasters flashed on screen, such as the Underground Railroad, the storming of the beaches of Normandy and first responders carrying people from the World Trade Center on 9/11.

The mood shifted as images of recent protests began playing. 'Yet, there are those who condemn our heroes, seek to erase history and deconstruct the American ideal. We made American into something it was never intended to be.' 

Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old father of three, is currently paralyzed from the waist down

Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old father of three, is currently paralyzed from the waist down 

The Milwaukee Bucks are boycotting Wednesday's playoff game against the Orlando Magic in response to the police shooting of 29-year-old African-American man Jacob Blake by Kenosha, Wisconsin police on Sunday. In this picture, referees huddle on an empty court prior to tip-off

The Milwaukee Bucks are boycotting Wednesday's playoff game against the Orlando Magic in response to the police shooting of 29-year-old African-American man Jacob Blake by Kenosha, Wisconsin police on Sunday. In this picture, referees huddle on an empty court prior to tip-off

The sporting world has been thrown into chaos as professional athletes from the several sports codes boycott matches over the shooting of African-American man Jacob Blake. LeBron James reportedly walked out of an NBA meeting on Wednesday evening, and his LA Lakers have allegedly voted to boycott the remainder of the basketball season

 The sporting world has been thrown into chaos as professional athletes from the several sports codes boycott matches over the shooting of African-American man Jacob Blake. LeBron James reportedly walked out of an NBA meeting on Wednesday evening, and his LA Lakers have allegedly voted to boycott the remainder of the basketball season

Former President Barack Obama has voiced his support for the sports boycott, seeing it as a  sign of peaceful protest

Former President Barack Obama has voiced his support for the sports boycott, seeing it as a  sign of peaceful protest

Lara Trump, the wife of President Trump's middle son Eric, was the only family member to address the GOP convention on Wednesday night

Lara Trump, the wife of President Trump's middle son Eric, was the only family member to address the GOP convention on Wednesday night

Lara Trump was the solo family member addressing the gathering on Wednesday. She's married to Eric Trump.

The first daughter-in-law played up Trump's propensity to hire women for leadership roles and the family's down-to-earth style in her Wednesday night address before the Republican National Convention.

'Any preconceived notion I had of this family disappeared immediately,' she said. 'They were warm and caring, they were hard workers, and they were down to earth. They reminded me of my own family - they made me feel like I was home.'

Lara explained that 'gender didn't matter,' which she realized when then-candidate Donald Trump asked for her help winning her home state of North Caroline, a key swing state, when he was running for president in 2016.

'Though I had no political experience, he believed in me and supported me - he knew I was capable even if I didn't,' she said.

Cut-to when President Trump was elected and then took office in 2017.

'It didn’t surprise me when President Donald Trump appointed the most women to senior level positions of any administration in history,' Lara Trump said. 'The Secretary of the United Nations, Secretary of the Air Force, the first female CIA Director, the first African American female director of the Fish and Wildlife service and countless ambassadors, just to name a few.'

'He didn’t do these things to gain a vote or to check a box - he did them because they are the right things to do,' Lara Trump added.

Expectations ran high for Kellyanne Conway's speech Tuesday as she will step down from her post at the White House at the end of the month – but the president's counselor made no mention during her remarks of her impending departure to spend more time with her family.

Conway, a counselor to the president who's been at his side since he took the oath of office, announced on Sunday evening she was quitting the administration to spend time with her family, saying her children needed 'less drama, more mama'.

Her 15-year-old daughter Claudia has been active on social media, expressing her disapproval of her mother's work for the White House, criticizing Conway and saying she was trying to get emancipated from her parents. Conway's husband George Conway is also stepping back from his role with a super PAC working against Trump's re-election.

Claudia tweeted over the weekend her displeasure with her mother's remarks at the Republican Convention.

'i'm devasted [sic] that my mother is actually speaking at the RNC. like DEVASTATED beyond compare,' the teenager wrote.

White House Counselor Kellyanne Conway's remarks were highly anticipated as she prepares to depart the White House at the end of the month after serving there since Trump took the oath of office

White House Counselor Kellyanne Conway's remarks were highly anticipated as she prepares to depart the White House at the end of the month after serving there since Trump took the oath of office

During her speech, however, she made no mention of her departure or the drama surrounding it after her 15-year-old daughter aired their familial issues on social media – she did talk about Trump building up women

During her speech, however, she made no mention of her departure or the drama surrounding it after her 15-year-old daughter aired their familial issues on social media – she did talk about Trump building up women 

Claudia Conway has been an outspoken critic of President Trump on social media. 'i'm devasted [sic] that my mother is actually speaking at the RNC. like DEVASTATED beyond compare,' she tweeted

Claudia Conway has been an outspoken critic of President Trump on social media. 'i'm devasted [sic] that my mother is actually speaking at the RNC. like DEVASTATED beyond compare,' she tweeted

During her remarks, Conway praised her boss as a champion of women.

'For decades, he has elevated women to senior positions in business and in government. He confides in and consults us, respects our opinions, and insists that we are on equal footing with the men,' she said of Trump, who has seen his approval rating fall among suburban women amid their concerns about his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and racial tensions in the country.

She discussed her own work for the president, including being the first woman to run a major party candidate's presidential campaign.

'President Trump helped me shatter a barrier in the world of politics by empowering me to manage his campaign to its successful conclusion. With the help of millions of Americans, our team defied the critics, questionable polls and conventional wisdom — and we won,' she said.

She did not mention she's leaving her role as counsellor to the president at the end of the month after her daughter's social media posts criticizing her mother's work for the administration went viral.

Conway has been one of Trump's most visible advisers and a frequent defender of his on the TV airwaves, the place he appreciates it the most.

Always ready to spar with the media and quick with quip, Conway survived four White House chiefs of staff and numerous Cabinet secretaries.

She also was criticized for her fast-and-lose approach with the facts, which she famously labeled 'alternative facts.'

Conway, who also managed Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, appeared unruffled during an appearance Monday at the unveiling of an art exhibit of student work tied to the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment.

'How am I doing? I'm good. I make my own choices,' she told reporters.  

Vice President Mike Pence had the keynote spot, giving his address from Fort McHenry in Baltimore - where a battle during the War of 1812 that inspired Francis Scott Key to write 'The Star-Spangled Banner.'

Pence has served as both messenger and defender for Trump - often ignoring or sidestepping the president's more outrageous - but his own political future is looming.

In his speech, given at an historic monument, he also kept with the theme of the night and addressed the protests that have risen up in support of the Black Lives Matters movement.

He also addressed the coronavirus pandemic, which has infected more than 5.79 million Americans and killed more than 178,000.

The vice president heads the White House Coronavirus Task Force and has been a point person for the federal response.

He touted that the U.S. would develop a vaccine for COVID-19 by the end of the year.

'What Joe doesn't seem to understand is that America is a nation of miracles and we're on track to have the world's first safe, effective coronavirus vaccine by the end of this year,' Pence declared. 

Madison Cawthorn, the 25-year-old Republican running for Congress in North Carolina for Chief of Staff Mark Meadow's vacant seat

Madison Cawthorn, the 25-year-old Republican running for Congress in North Carolina for Chief of Staff Mark Meadow's vacant seat  

Cawthron, who was partially paralyzed in a car accident when he was 18, used a walker and leg braces at the end of his speech to stand to honor the U.S. 'Be a radical for liberty. Be a radical for our republic. For which I stand,' he said. 'One nation. Under God. With liberty and justice for all'

Cawthron, who was partially paralyzed in a car accident when he was 18, used a walker and leg braces at the end of his speech to stand to honor the U.S. 'Be a radical for liberty. Be a radical for our republic. For which I stand,' he said. 'One nation. Under God. With liberty and justice for all'

President Trump made his sole appearance of the night at his No. 2's speech at Ft. McHenry, where Pence accepted his renomination as the vice presidential candidate.

White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany shared a deeply personal story that she doesn't frequently discuss publicly.

She proclaimed that President Donald Trump 'stands with Americans who have pre-existing conditions' because she counts as one of them.

McEnany took the stage to tell the story of her preventative double mastectomy in May 2018 on Wednesday night.

'One of the first calls I received was from Ivanka Trump,' she recalled. 'As I recovered my phone rang again, it was President Trump calling to check on me. I was blown away. Here was the leader of the free world, caring about my circumstance.'

McEnany said her story proves that Trump would fight for Americans who have pre-existing conditions despite the White House continuing to be a part of a lawsuit destined for the Supreme Court that could completely overrule Obamacare and thus kill off those legislative protections.

'During one of my most difficult times, I expected to have the support of my family, but I had more support than I knew,' she said, referencing the president. 

Karen Pence, an evangelical Christian, will also speak and is likely to address her faith.  

Several Republican lawmakers had their time in the limelight, including Representatives Elise Stefanik and Lee Zeldin, both of whom were staunch defenders of the president during the impeachment process.

Madison Cawthorn, the North Carolina congressional candidate who defeated the White House's pick in a GOP primary for chief of staff Mark Meadows' former House seat spoke.

The 25-year-old candidate was partially paralyzed during a car accident when he was 18 – but at the end of his speech, he used a walker and leg braces to assist him in standing to honor the country. 

'I say to Americans who love our country – young and old – be a radical for freedom,' Cawthorn said at the conclusion of his remarks. 'Be a radical for liberty. Be a radical for our republic.'

'For which I stand,' he said as he a walker was brought in for him to stand from his wheelchair. 'One nation. Under God. With liberty and justice for all.'  

Chen Guangcheng, a blind Chinese civil rights advocate who escaped house arrest in China in 2012 and migrated to the United States, railed against his native country as tensions between Washington and Beijing continue to rise

Chen Guangcheng, a blind Chinese civil rights advocate who escaped house arrest in China in 2012 and migrated to the United States, railed against his native country as tensions between Washington and Beijing continue to rise 

Chen Guangcheng, a blind Chinese civil rights advocate who escaped house arrest in China in 2012 and migrated to the United States, also made remarks from D.C.

'Standing up to fight unfairness is not easy. I know. So does President Trump – but he has shown the courage to wage that fight,' Chen said.

'We need to support, vote, and fight for President Trump – for the sake of the world,' he continued.

The comments come as tensions between the U.S. and China have been on the rise recently. Trump blames Beijing for the coronavirus pandemic, claiming they concealed the threat as they released it to the world and often refers to COVID-19 as the 'Chian virus' – a term many denounced as racist.

'Outside its borders, the CCP [Chinese Communist Party] ignores international treaties and norms, whether it is violating the rights of Hong Kong, cheating on trade deals, threatening Taiwan, or exploiting the World Health Organization,' Chen said.

He also claimed China is looking to appease former President Barack Obama and his vice president and now the Democratic nominee Joe Biden.

'The coronavirus pandemic, originating in China—and covered up by the CCP—has caused mass death and social upheaval around the world,' Chen continued. 'In the same way, the virus of the CCP is threatening the people of the world. The policy of appeasement of former administrations—including Obama and Biden—has allowed the CCP to infiltrate and corrode different aspects of the global community.'

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lara Trump paints her in-laws as 'warm and loving' and praises Donald Trump for hiring women - then accuses Democrats of 'ceding control of our cities to violent mobs' and says her father-in-law is 'law and order' president

Lara Trump, the first daughter-in-law, played up President Donald Trump's propensity to hire women for leadership roles and the family's down-to-earth style in her Wednesday night address before the Republican National Convention. 

Trump played up her North Carolina, public school roots, her amibition to make it in New York City and then her meeting of Eric Trump, the president's middle son and her husband of nearly six years. 

'Any preconceived notion I had of this family disappeared immediately,' she said. 'They were warm and caring, they were hard workers, and they were down to earth. They reminded me of my own family - they made me feel like I was home.' 

First daughter-in-law Lara Trump devoted her Republican National Convention speech to portraying the Trump family as down-to-earth and President Donald Trump as a woman-friendly employer

First daughter-in-law Lara Trump devoted her Republican National Convention speech to portraying the Trump family as down-to-earth and President Donald Trump as a woman-friendly employer 

'They were warm and caring, they were hard workers, and they were down to earth. They reminded me of my own family,' Lara Trump, a North Carolina native, said about the Trump clan

'They were warm and caring, they were hard workers, and they were down to earth. They reminded me of my own family,' Lara Trump, a North Carolina native, said about the Trump clan 

Lara explained that 'gender didn't matter,' which she realized when then-candidate Donald Trump asked for her help winning her home state of North Caroline, a key swing state, when he was running for president in 2016. 

'Though I had no political experience, he believed in me and supported me - he knew I was capable even if I didn't,' she said. 

Cut-to when President Trump was elected and then took office in 2017. 

'It didn't surprise me when President Donald Trump appointed the most women to senior level positions of any administration in history,' Lara Trump said.  'The Secretary of the United Nations, Secretary of the Air Force, the first female CIA Director, the first African American female director of the Fish and Wildlife service and countless ambassadors, just to name a few.'     

'He didn't do these things to gain a vote or to check a box - he did them because they are the right things to do,' Lara Trump added. 

As an adviser to the Trump campaign, Lara Trump threw in some red meat too. 

'In recent months, we have seen weak, spineless politicians cede control of our great American cities to violent mobs,' she said. 'Defund the police is the rallying cry for the new, radical Democrat Party.' 

'Joe Biden will not do what it takes to maintain order. To keep our children safe in our neighborhoods and in their schools. To restore our American way of life,' she added. 

But she finished her addressed, pre-taped at the Andrew W. Mellon auditorium in Washington, D.C., where it started - talking about the goodness of the president. 

TV moment: Lara Trump - like all the RNC's pre-taped speakers - addressed an empty Mellon Auditorium in Washington D.C.

TV moment: Lara Trump - like all the RNC's pre-taped speakers - addressed an empty Mellon Auditorium in Washington D.C.

I'm on: Lara Trump gets ready to deliver her speech to the cameras at the Mellon Auditorium

I'm on: Lara Trump gets ready to deliver her speech to the cameras at the Mellon Auditorium

Remote camera: Lara Trump on stage at the Mellon Auditorium for her speech in which she povited from speaking of the 'warmth' of the Trump family to attacking Joe Biden as bringing disorder

Remote camera: Lara Trump on stage at the Mellon Auditorium for her speech in which she povited from speaking of the 'warmth' of the Trump family to attacking Joe Biden as bringing disorder

Making sure there's not a hair out of place: A make-up artist puts the finishing touches to Lara Trump before she speaks

Making sure there's not a hair out of place: A make-up artist puts the finishing touches to Lara Trump before she speaks 

Red white and blue setting: The Trump campaign has outfitted the Mellon Auditorium with multiple flags for speakers to tape their performances

Red white and blue setting: The Trump campaign has outfitted the Mellon Auditorium with multiple flags for speakers to tape their performances

First family couple: Eric and Lara Trump were in the Rose Garden in June. Eric is currently fighting a court battle with the New York state attorney general over allegations of concealing tens of millions of dollars in income

First family couple: Eric and Lara Trump were in the Rose Garden in June. Eric is currently fighting a court battle with the New York state attorney general over allegations of concealing tens of millions of dollars in income

'If you're watching tonight and wrestling with your vote on November 3rd, I implore you: tune out the distorted news and biased commentary and hear it straight from someone who knows,' she said. 'I wasn't born a Trump. I'm from the South. I was raised a Carolina girl. I went to public schools and worked my way through a state university.' 

'I learned that he is a good man. That he loves his family. That he didn't need this job,' she said of the president. 

Lara Trump was among the Trump family members spotted at the Trump International Hotel Washington, D.C. Wednesday night as the third night of the RNC kicked off. 

She was sitting in the spacious lobby bar with husband Eric and posing for pictures with Trump supporters including Jackie Siegel, the millionairess featured in the documentary, 'The Queen of Versailles.'