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Guest Essay

By New York Times Opinion

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Welcome to Opinion’s commentary for Night 3 of the Republican National Convention. In this special feature, Times Opinion writers rate the evening on a scale of 0 to 10: 0 means the night was a disaster for Donald Trump; 10 means it could lead to a big polling bump. Here’s what our columnists and contributors thought of the event, which included speeches from Peter Navarro, Kimberly Guilfoyle and J.D. Vance.

Kristen Soltis Anderson, contributing Opinion writer How can you not feel the heartbreak of the Gold Star families? A powerful reminder of the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal, as well as President Biden’s incorrect assertion during the debate that no service members died overseas on his watch. Most important, a powerful reminder of the price of freedom.

Charles M. Blow, Times columnist Usha Vance, talking about her husband, J.D. Vance, and the veterans and families of soldiers killed or taken captive — they were the most effective and affecting speakers. Personal stories delivered with deep emotions, whether love or loss, break through the noise.

David Brooks, Times columnist The Gold Star families. The core Republican argument is that Biden has left regular Americans behind. These parents told that story with raw emotion. It was a moment when passion met the theme.

Michelle Cottle, political writer for Opinion J.D. Vance brought what Team Trump needed: a fresh face who can deliver even tough hits smoothly, with a charming smile and a sprinkling of humor. The political parts of his speech were nothing special. But the biographical bits were kinda glorious. The story from his youth about how his mamaw threatened to run over a local drug dealer was pure gold. And when Vance introduced his mother, who was in the crowd, “10 years clean and sober”? Chef’s kiss.

Ross Douthat, Times columnist Vance’s mother, 10 years sober, edging out the cuteness of Donald Trump’s granddaughter. Overall, an effective buildup with the Gold Star families and the 98-year-old World War II vet that squandered some momentum with Donald Trump Jr. and finished with Vance delivering a speech that was solid on charm and anecdote and likability but shorter on narrative and rhetorical sweep.

David Firestone, deputy editor, the Times editorial board The emotional gathering of family members of the 13 service members killed in the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. They were assembled by convention planners to capitalize on a particularly dumb debate gaffe made by Biden, who said he was the only president in the decade who didn’t have any troops die on his watch. Trump was the president who ridiculed military sacrifice, and Biden’s mistake gave the G.O.P. an important way to neutralize that weakness.

David French, Times columnist Vance’s personal story is genuinely inspiring. Any time he can focus on what he’s overcome and how he’s helped his family members improve their lives, the more people will respond to him.

Dan McCarthy, editor of the periodical Modern Age Vance’s speech was masterly and........

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