- 4 minutes ago
- US Election 2016
Donald Trump's wife, Melania, took centre stage on the first night of the Republican National Convention, seeking to soften her husband's rough edges.
The New York businessman has drawn criticism for his often brash persona.
Delivering her first major speech in what she called her husband's "unlikely" campaign, she painted Mr Trump as loyal and unwavering.
"He's tough when he has to be but he's also kind and fair and caring," Mrs Trump said.
"The kindness is not always noted, but it's there for all to see. That is one reason I fell in love with him to begin with."
Her debut was not without controversy as commentators quickly noticed striking similarities between Mrs Trump remarks and an earlier speech by Michelle Obama.
CNN had previously reported that Mrs Trump had been working with a professional speechwriter.
AP
Mrs Trump, a former model who was born in Slovenia, has kept a lower profile compared to other spouses of major candidates.
Mr Trump's adult children have filled the role usually inhabited by the candidate's wife.
Mrs Trump's mostly personal speech was in contrast to the night's other speakers who spoke about "making America safe again".
"If you want someone to fight for you and your country, I can assure you, he is the guy," Mrs Trump said touching on the theme.
Analysis - Rajini Vaidyanathan, BBC News, Cleveland
Melania Trump is often seen by her husband's side at campaign events, but she rarely gives interviews, or makes public speeches.
This address to the convention was a chance for her to reach, not just the delegates in this arena, but a prime time television audience.
She was introduced by her husband, and like most things Trump, her speech was all about "The Donald". Although she briefly touched on her experiences moving from Slovenia to Italy, then the US, most of her words were heaped in praise for her husband, in what felt like a character reference for him.
She described her partner of 18 years as a fighter, who is loyal and gets things done. This was all about softening his image and broadening Donald Trump's appeal. If it works, she could find herself under the spotlight even more as first lady of the United States.
A wide range of speakers - including a county sheriff, a decorated combat veteran and a former pants model - told stories of military service, urban crime and the dangers of illegal immigration.
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton took aim at presumptive Democratic nominee State Hillary Clinton, questioning her judgement in foreign affairs.
"Who would trust Hillary Clinton to protect them?" said Mr Giuliani, whose rousing speech fired up the crowd at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. "I wouldn't."
Many Republican party leaders - such as Ohio Governor John Kasich whose state is hosting the convention - have decided not to attend this year's festivities, turned off by Mr Trump's controversial stances on immigration and foreign policy.
Mr Trump has called for a ban on Muslims entering the US and also advocated deporting almost 11 million undocumented immigrants.
A speech by Wisconsin police sheriff David Clarke strongly defended police officers in the wake of the deadly shooting in Baton Rouge, which killed three officers over the weekend.
"Blue lives matter!" Mr Clarke said to huge cheers from the delegates in the convention hall.
The killings prompted Mr Trump to say the country was falling apart - a claim strongly disputed by President Barack Obama.
EPA
Earlier, anti-Trump delegates failed in their final push to block Mr Trump's nomination.
A vote that would have allowed delegates to back a candidate of their choice was quashed when three states reportedly backed out.
Some said the Republican Party officials had sabotaged their efforts on purpose.
The push was the last gasp for those who hope to see a different Republican candidate get the nomination.
A convention - all you need to know
1. What's the point? Each party formally nominates its candidates for president and vice president, and the party unveils its party platform, or manifesto.
2. Who is going? There are 2,472 delegates attending, selected at state and congressional district conventions, and representing each US state and territory. Plus 15,000 journalists and thousands of other party grandees, lawmakers and guests.
3. Who isn't going? Some senior figures who don't like Donald Trump have stayed away, including two ex-presidents named Bush, former nominee Mitt Romney and Ohio Governor John Kasich.
4. What's the schedule?
- Tuesday - House Speaker Paul Ryan, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie
- Wednesday - VP nominee Mike Pence
- Thursday - Donald Trump, introduced by daughter Ivanka
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- Under the skin of Trump country
- Trump opts for safe choice in picking Pence
- Sanders backs Clinton - but will his supporters?
- The women who run the world
- Why aren't we more excited about Clinton?
- 50 Trump supporters explain why
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- US election 2016: Full coverage
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