There was rife online speculation over who would be among the much-hyped special guests on the glitzy final night of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, with names ranging from former Republican president George W. Bush to superstar musicians Beyoncé and Taylor Swift.
This proved to be far off target.
George W. Bush was put forward as a contender for this surprise spot when “Republicans Against Trump” posted a photo of Bush hugging then-First Lady Michelle Obama to their account’s 765,000 followers on X.
George Bush’s spokesman Freddy Ford told Newsmax veteran TV news anchor John Bachman that Bush is definitely not in Chicago to speak at the D.N.C.
Former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, who is currently a US Senator and has criticized former President Donald Trump, has also ruled out that he would be elected to the post.
“Contrary to fake news posts, I am not the surprise guest at the DNC tonight. My guess is it will be Beyoncé or Taylor Swift,” Mr Romney posted on X. “Very disappointing, I know!”
Contrary to fake news, I am not the surprise guest at the DNC tonight. My guess is it will be Beyoncé or Taylor Swift. Very disappointing, I know!
— Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) August 22, 2024
However, at this year’s DNC, several anti-Trump Republicans spoke out throughout the week, taking a stance against the former president and supporting Kamala Harris and her running mate Tim Walz instead.
The list includes Trump’s former White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham, former Homeland Security Advisor Olivia Troye, former Republican Representative Adam Kinzinger, and even Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen.
But Bush is perhaps one of the most prominent Republicans to publicly declare he is not supporting Trump — sparking rumors he might make a surprise appearance on Thursday.
Kamala Harris accepted her party’s presidential nomination amid a galaxy of stars on the final day of the convention, setting the stage for a tight election that will run until November 5.
The 59-year-old Californian held a slim lead in polling, overturning perceptions that a Trump win against Biden was likely, before he dramatically withdrew his nomination and endorsed Harris.
Democratic leaders, from Michelle Obama and Bill Clinton to vice presidential nominee Tim Walz, have warned that the party could lose to Trump’s Republicans if it becomes complacent.
Walz, a former high school football coach, cited a sports analogy, saying Democrats were “trailing by a field goal, but we’re on offense and we have the ball.”
Party strategists spent the week in Chicago and brought out a parade of anti-Trump Republicans, including former Cabinet officials, a small-city mayor and a former statewide official.
“If you vote for Kamala Harris in 2024, you’re not a Democrat, you’re a patriot,” said Geoff Duncan, the former lieutenant governor of Georgia.
Ms Harris called Trump a “non-serious” person.
“I will be a president who unites us around our highest aspirations,” Harris said in her keynote speech, drawing loud applause.
(With inputs from AFP)
