Former President Donald Trump's acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention garnered mixed reactions from conservative voters, with some appreciating his softened tone while others remained skeptical.
One voter, Dave Struthers, a 57-year-old farmer from Collins, Iowa, expressed relief at Trump's less egotistical demeanor during the speech. Struthers, a Republican, acknowledged Trump's past divisive rhetoric but noted a positive shift in his delivery that evening.
During his speech in Milwaukee, Trump, who recently survived an assassination attempt, spoke in a quieter and more relaxed tone. He shared his experience of the shooting and called for unity in national politics, although he maintained familiar talking points criticizing Democrats and immigration policies.
While some voters like Struthers and Alex Bueneman, a 28-year-old maintenance technician from Oak Grove, Missouri, welcomed Trump's more moderate approach, others like John Frank, a 25-year-old designer in Milwaukee, remained unconvinced. Frank, a self-described libertarian, felt that Trump's speech did not show a significant change in tone post-assassination attempt.
Despite differing opinions, the speech prompted engagement among voters, with some, like Frank, gathering to watch the event together. Overall, Trump's speech at the convention sparked discussions among conservative voters about his evolving rhetoric and political stance.