Donald Trump's acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention on Thursday night was notable for many reasons. Not only was it the longest speech of its kind since the parties began keeping records in 1972, it also inspired extreme and polarizing reactions. Trump's rhetoric about immigration, crime, terrorism, trade, and more had people both frightened and inspired.
Dan Pfeiffer, a former advisor to President Obama, did not mince any words, calling it "the most alarming...political speech delivered in 50 years."
Tavis Smiley painted the speech in similarly stark terms:
Actress Octavia Spencer added another "d" word to Smiley's litany—dystopian.
Even Mary Kate Cary, a former speechwriter for the first President Bush, found the tone of the speech eerie.
However, Ari Fleischer, who was Press Secretary for the second President Bush, had a different take, pointing out that Trump's dark vision may find resonance among the general public.
Another Trump supporter who approved of the speech was Geert Wilders, the leader of the far-right Party for Freedom in the Netherlands. Wilders, who has been put on trial for inciting hatred against Dutch Morrocans and has advocated banning the Koran, is at the RNC and tweeted his support of Trump's speech.
Many Republican politicians also admired the candidate's message.
