MORGANTOWN – Gov. Jim Justice took the stage at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee Tuesday evening amid a series of U.S. Senate candidates who used their time to blast President Biden and their Democratic opponents – and elevate themselves in the process.
But Justice, accompanied by Babydog, took a different tack – praising Trump for six minutes and never mentioning Biden or his own Democratic Senate opponent.
“He genuinely cares about all of us and he loves this nation beyond any good sense,” Justice said.
The speakers who preceded him hammered the same core issues: the southern border, inflation, the economy, public safety, America’s global standing, Biden’s decline and uniting America.
Kari Lake, of Arizona, dwelt on the actions of the far left and said, “They have awoken a sleeping giant.”
Eric Hovde, of Wisconsin, said, “Biden .. has weakened us in every way, making Americans less safe.”
And Mike Rogers, of Michigan, said, “It is long past time we restore and order.”
Dave McCormick, of Pennsylvania, addressed Saturday’s assassination attempt on Trump in Butler, Pa., expressing sympathy for the victims, and joined the crowd to watch an intentionally humorous video alternating between Trump addressing massive, adoring crowds and Biden walking stiffly in nearly empty rooms.
After a break, Justice took the stage, taking a seat behind the podium on his familiar stool. He opened with praise for his own state. “I absolutely believe with all my soul we’ve got the greatest people in the world in West Virginia and we want you to come and try us out someday.”
Then came Babydog. She padded across the floor and was lifted onto an armchair. “She makes us smile and she loves everybody and how could the message be any simpler than just that,” Justice said.
Then he turned his attention to Trump, whom he referred to several times as his good friend. “We become totally unhinged if Donald Trump is not elected in November,” Justice said,
Justice told the crowd he’s hunted and fished with Trump’s sons, and on one trip to the top of a mountain, the 4×4 tire blew and Eric Trump got down and changed it. “Donald Trump has taught his kids the very best.” They respect the military, first responders and working men and women.
“He’s tough, he’s super smart, he’s a business guy, he loves America and he’s a hard worker,” Justice said of Trump. “Sure sounds like a leader to me. Sure sounds like a president to me.”
And why does Trump keep on amid the “senseless persecution,” Justice asked. “Because we’re worth it.”
West Virginians are familiar with Babydog’s predictions and Justice brought Babydog back into focus with some predictions for the nation: the GOP will retain the House and flip the Senate and put Trump back into the White House.
Why does she know that, he asked. “Because we’re worth it.”
For those watching remotely, the view switched to a Trump rally video as Justice and Babydog left the stage and Jim Banks, of Indiana, came to the podium.
“I don’t know about you,” Banks, said, “but thank God Babydog’s a Republican.”
Email: dbeard@dominionpost.com
