CLEVELAND — Melania Trump has made very few appearances on the campaign trail, but after her debut speech at the Republican National Convention Monday night, many delegates thought they found the yin to Trump’s yang.
“I think she’s a good advocate for him. She’s elegant, graceful and she wouldn’t do anything to embarrass our country, but I don’t know about her husband,” Missouri delegate Jennifer Podowsky said. “Donald and Melania balance each other out. She’s so steady and he’s a fighter and very aggressive.”
Others agreed that Melania’s presence and poise could help Trump win over female voters and other voting groups that aren’t sure about the billionaire businessman’s rhetoric.
“It was just what people need to hear from her,” California delegate Arun Bhumitra said. “She talked about children and women, something Donald Trump has been criticized about. She will complement him and be a great advocate for women.”
Before her speech Monday night Melania Trump had made only a handful of appearances on the campaign trail during which she spoke a maximum of a few sentences. Even though she prefers to stay out of the limelight, the former-supermodel beamed as she walked on stage with her husband at the convention to tell the story of her journey to America and love for her family.
Many Republican delegates wondered what she’d say prior to her speech.
“I’m not sure, I’ve never seen her perform or be on stage. I’m anticipating like everybody else,” Nevada delegate Judge George Assad told the Washington Examiner before the speech.
Washington state delegate Carrie French said, “She’ll probably be more presidential than her husband. She’s actually pretty classy and I actually like her. I expect that she’s going to be very gracious. But we’re not electing her, we’re electing the presumptive nominee.”
Not all delegates were taken by Melania Trump, though. Arizona delegate Gayla Coletto explained that she wasn’t very impressed with Trump as the nominee so “it doesn’t really matter what Melania says anyway.” The Trump campaign has yet to say when his wife will appear on the campaign trail again.
