AFTER DEMS’ SHOW, TRUMP GEARS UP FOR GOP’S BIG WEEK

WASHINGTON: Launching political grenades - and real fireworks - US President Donald Trump’s Republican Party will use next week’s convention to ignite its base ahead of the most divisive US election in decades.

The Republican convention, which starts on Monday and climaxes on Thursday with Trump accepting his nomination for a second term, will turn things further on their head.

Rather than go online or seek an alternate venue, Trump will give his speech from the White House itself. He has justified his choice as the most practical, cost effective measure after Covid-19 forced the cancellation of plans for a traditional convention.

The party’s big week comes after the Democratic National Convention concluded this week.

As Trump says, he already lives in the White House. But by making the presidential residence his political stage and applying to turn the adjacent National Mall into a fireworks launchpad, Trump is also showing off his power, in contrast to Democratic rival Joe Biden’s online approach.

“He’s going to be speaking on a world stage,” as adviser Kellyanne Conway said.

The formal nominating part of the convention will take place on Monday in Charlotte, North Carolina, with a small group of Republican delegates - and possibly Trump - attending in person

POSTMASTER PROMISES TIMELY ELECTION MAIL

US postmaster Louis Dejoy told lawmakers the postal service will deliver ballots “securely and on time” in the November presidential election, but indicated he would pursue dramatic operational changes after that date.