Opinion Today: What you might have missed at the Republican National Convention

Updates from Times Opinion's blog.

View in browser|nytimes.com July 19, 2024 By Anna Marks Opinion Staff Editor In today's newsletter, we're offering some of our favorite entries from The Point, Times Opinion's blog, about the Republican National Convention. Our writers told you what they think about Republicans' pitch to young people, J.D. Vance's views on traditional marriage, a baffling speech by Peter Navarro and Donald Trump's performance on Thursday night. Check them out below. Tressie McMillan Cottom on the Republican pitch to the young → Jessica Grose on J.D. Vance and traditional marriage → David Firestone on Peter Navarro's speech → Patrick Healy on Donald Trump's speech and why he is still beatable → Here's what we're focusing on today: Editors' Picks Illustration by The New York Times Guest Essay 'One of the Truly Awful and Self-Indulgent Performances of Our Time': The Best and Worst Moments From Night 4 of the Convention Times Opinion writers assess Night 4 of the Republican convention, which included speeches from Hulk Hogan, Mike Pompeo and Donald Trump. By New York Times Opinion More From Opinion Maureen Dowd Trump the Lion, or Trump the Lyin'? After years on a self-mythologizing hero's journey, the former president finally has a true story to tell. By Maureen Dowd Matter of Opinion Trump Anoints Himself So that's what a post-assassination-attempt speech sounds like. 27 MIN LISTEN Michelle Goldberg It's Time for Democrats to Hold Hands and Jump Those who want a new presidential nominee need to go public. By Michelle Goldberg David Brooks What Democrats Need to Do Now If Democrats hope to win, they have to take the MAGA worldview seriously and respectfully make the case, especially to working-class voters, for something better. By David Brooks Paul Krugman J.D. Vance Puts the Con in Conservatism He's a "populist" who holds contempt for the working class. By Paul Krugman Guest Essay Pro-Lifers Helped Bring Trump to Power. Why Has He Abandoned Us? Roe is history, but abortion hasn't ended. By Patrick T. Brown Guest Essay This Is Venezuela's Moment. It Needs the World's Help. The United States can support Venezuelan democracy by creating an off-ramp for President Nicolás Maduro. By Roberto Patiño The Convention Was Just a Pop Star's Latest Tour Date The merger of fandom and politics has become a breeding ground for demagoguery. By Anna Marks david french Criticize Trump, but Don't Demonize Him We won't preserve American democracy through silence and timidity. By David French john mcwhorter Why Are Democrats Speaking to America in Ancient Greek? Democracy is vital. "Democracy," the word, is inert. By John McWhorter Damon Winter/The New York Times letters Democrats in Disarray Over Biden Readers discuss growing pressure for him to step aside and an essay by Bernie Sanders supporting him. Also: God and Trump; a raised fist; the First Amendment. We hope you've enjoyed this newsletter, which is made possible through subscriber support. Subscribe to The New York Times. Games Here are today's Mini Crossword, Wordle and Spelling Bee. If you're in the mood to play more, find all our games here. Forward this newsletter to friends to share ideas and perspectives that will help inform their lives. They can sign up here. Do you have feedback? Email us at opiniontoday@nytimes.com. If you have questions about your Times account, delivery problems or other issues, visit our Help Page or contact The Times. Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for the Opinion Today newsletter from The New York Times. To stop receiving Opinion Today, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. To opt out of updates and offers sent from The Athletic, submit a request. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018