Former President Donald Trump has said he shredded his planned remarks as he prepares to accept the GOP nomination for president at the Republican National Convention, and he reportedly told a pal at Fox News there's one thing listeners will absolutely not hear.
Trump's speech will reportedly tone down his signature incendiary rhetoric following the attempt on his life Saturday at a Butler, Pennsylvania, rally.
Hours ahead of his appearance, Fox News host Bret Baier said he spoke to the MAGA leader and revealed Trump is in "good spirits."
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"It's going to be a long speech," said Baier. "It's north of an hour, [the] estimate is, depending on the applause."
He added: "There will not be the use of one word in the speech, and that is Biden. He will not say the name Biden in the speech. He may refer to the current administration or current leadership, but he will not use the name Biden."
The speech lays out Trump's arguments for the ticket, Baier said, as well as the major issues he wants to focus on. And contrary to what the skeptics may think, there is a "real call to unity" in his speech.
"There is a sense in the campaign that they're not sure who the nominee is going to be on the other side as of yet with all the turmoil on the Democratic side of the ticket," he said.
Even so, "that little nugget there is pretty interesting," Baier remarked, calling the former president's speech "consequential."
Trump's speech Thursday comes after a leaked video showed Trump addressing Saturday's assassination attempt, which he said changed his views and attitude on life. He called the shooting a "close call."
In the minute-long video, posted on YouTube by PBS NewsHour, the MAGA leader is shown talking to donors at a private event, saying: “You appreciate God even more."
The clip appears to be the first public speech Trump has given that addresses the assassination attempt at a campaign rally. Two people died in the shooting, including the shooter, and Trump was left with a bloodied ear.
