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Donald Trump Reacted To Ivanka's RNC Speech

by Alex Gladu

On Thursday, the final night of the Republican National Convention (RNC) came to an end with the two most anticipated speakers of perhaps the entire event: Donald and Ivanka Trump. Ivanka introduced her father to the crowd, just as she did more than a year ago when he kicked off his campaign at Trump Tower in New York City. Later in the night, Trump reacted to Ivanka's RNC speech with the same enthusiasm that usually accompanies his acknowledgement of his family.

In this journey, I'm so lucky to have at my side my wife Melania and my wonderful children, Don, Ivanka, Eric, Tiffany, and Barron: You will always be my greatest source of pride and joy. And by the way, Melania and Ivanka, did they do a job?

It's no surprise that Trump selected — or at least approved the choice of — Ivanka to introduce him. She played a big part in his former reality show, The Apprentice. She's an executive at his company and a business leader in her own right. And she's also not afraid to tell the Donald when she disagrees with him. As a result, she's become one of his most favorable advocates and one of his closest confidants throughout the campaign.

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Trump's speech on Thursday served to formally accept the GOP's nomination, which he officially won in a roll call vote of delegates on Tuesday. His remarks allegedly leaked online earlier in the day, but the excitement around his and Ivanka's speeches didn't seem affected by that leak. Trump often praises Ivanka when he speaks, and Thursday night was no different.

In his long speech to the RNC audience, Trump only mentioned Ivanka's speech in passing. When he asked the crowd, "And, by the way, Melania and Ivanka, did they do a job?" the crowd erupted with supportive applause. Although Trump's recognition of Ivanka's introduction was just a brief ad-lib during an otherwise scripted speech, it gave the crowd another opportunity to cheer the nominee's daughter for her role in the campaign.

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It's also worth pointing out that Trump only mentioned his wife's and his older daughter's speeches. Melania and all four of Trump's adult children spoke on his behalf throughout the four days of the convention. Melania's speech probably made the most headlines, but Ivanka's speech might have been the most successful.

Judging by her popular speech on Thursday, Ivanka will remain a key part of the Donald's campaign. She's an effective humanizer for Trump and a pleasant contrast to his often-harsh persona. What's more, he seems to understand that — and to celebrate it.