Why the ‘quiet’ Americans are now essential for Trump

He may be one of the most divisive presidents in US history but Donald Trump has never lost a rusted-on 40 per cent of the population who support him. Now he needs them more than ever.

Depending on where you are in America, it can be hard to find someone who will admit to being a Trump voter.

Hidden Trump supporters — his so-called quiet Americans, or what Republicans call the ­silent majority — are essential to Donald Trump’s re-­election. They are the people for whom day one of the Republican National Convention was tailored.

Trump may be one of the most divisive presidents in US history but he has never lost a rusted-on 40 per cent of the population who support him.

US President Donald Trump speaks during the first day of the Republican National Convention. Picture: AFP

It’s in the middle where he and Democrat Joe Biden will fight their toughest battles, and the rollcall of everyday Americans who stood up for Trump on Monday, local time, were talking to them.

A West Virginia nurse who volunteered to treat COVID patients when New York and New Jersey were overwhelmed told of how fast-tracked medical treatments and telehealth access were saving lives.

And a veteran California public school educator who stood up to left-wing intimidation from teachers unions said: “Democrats stand with deceptive teachers who pick on loving teachers and little kids.”

Donald Trump Jr’s address was pre-recorded as the coronavirus pandemic forced the Republican Party to move away from an in-person convention to a televised format. Picture: AFP

They were introduced by some of Trump’s most ardent boosters, big name conservatives and rising party stars who decried the chaos in Democrat-run cities such as Chicago, Portland and Minneapolis.

But the most clear-eyed messaging came from army veteran Sean Parnell, who told of his disillusionment with the “intolerance” of left-propelled cancel culture.

Kimberly Guilfoyle, the girlfriend of Donald Trump Jr, addresses viewers. Picture: AFP

“Where Democrats once stood for hard-working Am­ericans displaying our flag with pride, this New Democrat party considers them uneducated racists, clinging to guns and Bibles,” he said.

Days after the Democrats directed so much of their ire at the US President at the expense of clearly selling what Joe Biden is actually offering, Republicans can only hope enough Americans are tuning in this week and seeing something they recognise.