Out-of-town pool report #12 - Trump enters

President Trump took the stage to loud cheers at 8.09pm, just as Lee Greenwood started the second verse of “God Bless the USA.”

A huge screen with the US flag slowly rose to reveal dozens of people waving little flags as Trump, wearing a navy blue suit, white shirt and blue tie, walked slowly across the stage. Chants of USA erupted as the song finished.

“Welcome to the first ever midterm convention of any party,” Trump said as he began his remarks, which also thanked Lee Greenwood, talked about the “fake news” and claimed people were waiting outside to get in.

"With your support, we will make our nation stronger, safer, richer, freer, and greater than it has ever been before.

“In 55 days, Americans will be going to the polls in one of the most important elections in our country's history. Your vote will decide whether our country stumbles at the starting gate of the next 250 years or surges forward and never ever looks back."

Speech is running live on usual outlets but I’ll provide color and top lines. Pls check quotes against transcript etc

Danny Kemp

AFP White House correspondent