Scalise touts Trump’s compassion in convention address

House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) argued that President Trump has demonstrated a record of compassion and problem-solving for the American people during an address Monday night at the GOP convention.

Scalise cited Trump visiting him in the hospital after the GOP lawmaker was shot and gravely wounded by a man who targeted Republican members of Congress practicing for the congressional baseball game in 2017. 

“I’ve worked closely with Donald Trump over the last few years, and if there’s one constant theme to how he approaches problems, it’s how much he cares about the hard-working people that Washington left behind,” the Louisiana Republican said. 

“I’ve seen this firsthand. After I was shot on a baseball field by a leftist gunman, first responders rushed me to a hospital, where I battled for my life. That same night, Donald Trump came to the hospital, along with first lady Melania Trump,” he added. 

“They consoled my wife, Jennifer. They were there for my family in my darkest hours,” Scalise said. “Donald Trump would call to check on me throughout the following weeks just to see how I was doing. That’s the kind of person he is. That’s the side of Donald Trump that the media will never show you.”

Scalise was one of several speakers on Monday who sought to personalize Trump and present the president in a softer light. 

Trump also made two appearances that showed off a lighter touch as he engaged with workers at the White House and with people his administration helped return safely to the U.S. after they were held in various countries overseas. 

His comments come as Democrats have repeatedly attacked Trump for having a lack of compassion, blasting his response to the coronavirus pandemic, race relations and health care. 

Scalise also criticized calls to defund the police, saying he wouldn’t be here without their help.