Kimberly Guilfoyle delivered a passionate speech in support of President Donald Trump at the Republican National Convention on Monday night.
The moment: The former Fox News contributor and current Trump campaign senior advisor hammered Democrat "socialists" in a prerecorded speech delivered in Washington, D.C., during the first day of the largely virtual RNC.
"I speak to you tonight as a mother, a former prosecutor, a Latina, and a proud American, and yes, a proud supporter of President Donald J. Trump," Guilfoyle began.
- Shining city on a hill: "In President Trump’s America, we light things up. We don’t dim them down. We build things up, we don’t burn them down. We kneel in prayer and we stand for our flag," she said.
- Strength: "He emancipates and lifts you up to live your American Dream. You are capable. You are qualified. You are powerful and you have the ability to choose your life and determine your destiny."
- "The best is yet to come": "President Trump is the leader who will rebuild the promise of America and ensure that every citizen can realize their American Dream. Ladies and gentlemen, leaders and fighters for freedom and liberty and the American Dream, the best is yet to come!"
The reaction: Guilfoyle's address provoked strong reactions on both sides of the aisle.
Conservative commentator Nick Adams praised the speech as "incredible."
Kimberly Guilfoyle is having an INCREDIBLE speech tonight!
— Nick Adams (@NickAdamsinUSA) August 25, 2020
But liberals derided the speech, saying it was inappropriate or even "unhinged."
New York Times contributing op-ed writer Wajahat Ali characterized Guilfoyle's remarks as a "Kool-Aid sermon," referring to the bombastic oratory of cult leader Jim Jones.
I rarely laugh out loud. I laughed out loud 3 times during this Kimberly Guilfoyle Kool-Aid sermon. #RNCConvention
— Wajahat "Wears a Mask Because of a Pandemic" Ali (@WajahatAli) August 25, 2020
The Twitter account for the Lincoln Project, a Never Trump political action committee, posted a picture of Guilfoyle next to the popular "Hellmo" meme.
— The Lincoln Project (@ProjectLincoln) August 25, 2020
CNN White House correspondent Jim Acosta compared the moment to the infamous "Dean scream" from Howard Dean's failed 2004 presidential campaign.
"Kimberly Guilfoyle made Howard Dean's scream seem like low-energy Jeb." --@Acosta quoting a GOP strategist#GOPConvention #RNC2020
— Victoria Brownworth #SaveTheUSPS (@VABVOX) August 25, 2020
The Daily Beast's headline called the speech "unhinged," and "The Late Show" host Stephen Colbert opened up his program by mocking Guilfoyle.
The Republican National Convention also featured speeches from Donald Trump Jr., executive vice president of the Trump organization and Guilfoyle's boyfriend, Democratic Rep. Vernon Jones of Georgia, and the "St. Louis Gun Couple," Mark and Patricia McCloskey.
- Tuesday's program is headlined by First Lady Melania Trump; other speakers include Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, former Covington Catholic student Nick Sandmann, and pro-life activist Abby Johnson.
