The Republican Party is gearing up for its national convention in Milwaukee, where they will officially nominate former President Donald Trump for a historic third time. Spanning from Monday, August 19 to Thursday, August 22, the convention aims to present a strong case for a second Trump presidency. Major news networks will be providing live coverage during prime time, while various online platforms such as YouTube, Facebook Live, and Amazon Prime will also stream the event.

One notable absence that has been observed is that of Melania Trump, the former first lady. Although multiple reports suggest that she may make an appearance, the specifics of her involvement remain unclear. Melania did not attend the June 27 debate between Biden and Trump, nor Trump's hush money trial in Manhattan. Her presence on the campaign trail alongside her husband this year has also been infrequent.

A lineup of prominent speakers is expected to take the stage at the convention, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Donald Trump Jr., and Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene. Additionally, Arizona Republican Kari Lake and rapper Amber Rose are also reported to be speaking at the event. On Monday afternoon, Iowa Republican Party Chair Jeff Kaufmann will formally nominate Trump, as reported by the Des Moines Register. Donald Trump Jr. is slated to speak on Wednesday, just before the revelation of Trump's vice presidential pick.

In a departure from previous years, the Republican Party is expected to drop its call for a national abortion ban from its party platform. This shift aligns with Trump's stance that abortion policies should be determined by individual states. The revised platform will also omit the statement defining "traditional marriage" as only between "one man and one woman," along with language calling for a national debt reduction.

The highlight of the convention will be Donald Trump's speech on Thursday, the final day of the event. Taking place in Milwaukee, the largest city in the crucial swing state that Biden won in 2020, the convention holds significance. Despite polls consistently showing Trump leading in Wisconsin this year, the Republican Party unanimously voted in August 2022 to host the convention there. The majority of the events will be held at the Fiserv Arena, home of the Milwaukee Bucks, in downtown Milwaukee, with an anticipated attendance of over 50,000 people. However, access to the event remains limited to invitees only and is closed to the general public.

In contrast to the Democratic Party's internal divisions, the Republican National Convention is expected to be a unifying moment for the party. Polls have consistently shown Trump leading Biden since the beginning of the primaries, and post-debate surveys indicate that his narrow lead has widened. Trump's campaign merged with the Republican National Committee after securing the nomination in March. His daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, and ally Michael Whately were appointed as co-chairs of the organization.

As the convention approaches, all eyes are on Milwaukee as Republicans rally behind Donald Trump, making their case for another presidential term. The event promises to be a significant moment in the 2024 political landscape, showcasing the unity within the Republican Party and setting the stage for a highly anticipated campaign season.