Fox News anchor Bret Baier lauded President Donald Trump's lengthy speech at the Republican midterm convention on Wednesday, calling it a "barn-buster" and noting the former president's energy.
"This is him energized. This is him feeding off this crowd, this is -- he just loves this element, and let’s remind everybody this guy is 80 years old. He just gives this barn-buster speech," Baier told Fox News colleague Sean Hannity after the event. Trump, who is 78, delivered the address.
During the speech, Trump urged his party's base to vote in the upcoming midterm elections as if he were on the ballot. Baier observed that the president "went all over the place" during his remarks.
Trump's Promise and Crowd Reaction
A key moment in Trump's speech was his promise to give every American citizen $5,000 if Republicans secure victories in the midterms. Baier acknowledged this promise raised his eyebrows, noting that Trump had made similar claims previously. This pledge has already drawn criticism and scrutiny.
Baier questioned Vice President JD Vance about Trump's $5,000 promise shortly after the speech, anticipating criticism that the former president was attempting to "bribe voters to vote for Republicans to take over the House." Vance responded by stating that the administration is "taking in an extraordinary amount of revenue because the president of the United States is actually standing up to both foreign companies."
Baier highlighted what he considered the speech's most impactful line: "On election night, we’re going to prove that America does not belong to those who hate it. America belongs to those who love it." He noted this statement elicited the largest cheer from the audience.