FORT MCHENRY, Maryland — President Trump made a surprise appearance here to join Vice President Mike Pence, providing the ultimate endorsement of his loyal lieutenant in another made-for-TV moment on the third night of the Republican convention.
A crowd of about 100 people took to their feet, chanting, “Four more years,” as the president appeared.
Trump and the first lady joined Pence and his wife Karen onstage for a rousing rendition of”The Star-Spangled Banner” after the vice president finished his acceptance speech.
Trump has reveled in appearing during each night of the convention, popping up in pre-recorded videos to pardon a former bank robber and address a naturalization ceremony.
The first and second couples were joined for the occasion by country music star Trace Adkins on the spot that inspired the writing of the national anthem after the fort’s bombardment by the British Royal Navy in 1814.
Trump did not address the crowd from the stage but chatted with veterans sitting in the front row afterwards.
His surprise arrival demonstrated the mechanics of the relationship between the two men, according to Tom LoBianco, author of the Pence biography Piety and Power.
“It looks like Pence still functionally knows the spotlight needs to stay squarely on Trump,” he said.
“Pence can’t get out ahead of himself as he ponders 2024. This sounds like Pence wrapping his arms around Trump, almost like how Biden successfully wrapped his own arms around Obama.”
In his speech, the vice president described how he had seen Trump up close for four years.
“Americans see President Trump in lots of different ways, but there’s no doubt how President Trump sees America,” he said.
“He sees America for what it is … a nation that has done more good in this world than any other … a nation that deserves far more gratitude than grievance … and if you want a president who falls silent when our heritage is demeaned or insulted, then he’s not your man.”
Trump asked aides to develop ideas for made-for-TV moments after he was delighted by the reception when he stunned this year’s State of the Union audience by presenting the Medal of Honor to talk radio star Rush Limbaugh.
It all marks a stark break with tradition and the idea that each day would gradually build to the fourth day and the appearance of the party’s nominee.
On Monday, he managed to overshadow much of the proceedings by traveling to Charlotte, North Carolina, where delegates were meeting.
He delivered an angry speech accusing Democrats of using the coronavirus pandemic to steal the election after officials had promised a forward-looking, optimistic tone for the week.
Rumors swirled for months before the convention that the president was considering dumping Pence in favor of a figure who might extend the ticket’s appeal. Among the names floated was Nikki Haley, the former ambassador to the United Nations, in order to bring out more women voters.
Instead, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem spoke earlier in the night, and Trump and Pence were together in a show of unity.
