Thursday is the big night for the Republican Party in Milwaukee, as the world anticipates former president Donald Trump's first public speech since he was shot.
Illinois Republicans gathered for the last breakfast of the convention. The group was brimming with excitement and optimism, as they look forward to what Trump will say to close out the convention.
"Tonight will be the finale, as we all know, and we're in for a great night tonight with President Trump," said Rep. Darin LaHood, R-16th District. "I do think we need to unify the country; what happened on Saturday was tragic, should never happen. But if you notice, President Trump over the last couple of days, sitting in the box, much more reserved. There's a resolve about him. A different Trump now, we'll see how that's reflected in the speech tonight."
"We are so energized going into tonight because the last three days are phenomenal," delegate from Barlett Susan Sweeney said.
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The delegates spoke about what they expect to hear.
"I want to hear a positive message on how we move the country forward, and how he is going to make the lives of every citizen of the United States better," said Republican state Rep. John Cabello, a delegate from Machesney Park.
Anticipation is running high. The message to delegates from across the country is expected to be more personal and talk about Trump's vision for the future.
"America first, not America last. This is really about making America great again. That's what MAGA is," said delegate Jim Marter, a candidate for Congress.
It's also expected he will talk about the shooting incident that nearly took his life.
"I think there's going to be a long standing ovation for him. I think it's going to be an electric atmosphere tonight, but I hope he helps to unify the country. He has the ability to do that tonight," LaHood said.
The stakes are high for former President Trump, who did a walk-through on Wednesday in preparation for his speech. Political observers say this will be a critical night for Trump, as he closes out the convention, and shifts into campaign mode, as he looks to November.
"I'm hoping tonight that he's very presidential, that it's a unity message, and he talks about the country going forward, none of the talk about the election was stolen, none of the talk about the indictments and those things. I hope he looks forward. Because, in politics, the forward-looking candidates win," political consultant Pat Brady said.
One delegate, who recently had foot surgery, said she couldn't miss the RNC.
"We all need to come together somehow and fix this country, and I think Donald Trump is the one person who can do that," Homer Glen delegate Christina Clausen said. "I would crawl here if I had to."
However, after Trump nearly lost his life on Saturday, two congressmen called for Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to be replaced.
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"I was on a call yesterday with Speaker Johnson," LaHood said. "It's unacceptable what the Secret Service didn't do on Saturday. I've called for the Secret Service director to step down. I think it's unacceptable."
"It's not just about what happened with Donald Trump, but we need to know that what happened at that rally, what fell and failed," Republican Rep. Mike Bost said. "We need to answer that. We also need to know in the future that never happens again."
Ohio GOP Senate candidate Bernie Moreno spoke about Trump's running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance.
"What you saw last night is exactly who he is," Moreno said, referring to Vance's acceptance speech. "If you see him privately, at dinner or breakfast or cup of coffee, he's just a genuine human being. He's exactly what you see is what you get."
Trump is expected to address the country Thursday at 9 p.m.
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