What Donald Trump Accomplished

If you only read one thing: Donald Trump’s convention’s dark turn continued Thursday night, as the Republican presidential nominee painted a picture of a nation in decline and at war, both abroad and at home. The speech was a fitting capstone to a week which highlighted death and destruction and economic malaise. The uniquely gloomy message seemed designed to resonate with the majority of Americans who still feel the nation is on the wrong track. “Hillary Clinton’s message is that things will never change,” Trump said in the clearest summation of his campaign’s organizing principle. “My message is that things have to change – and they have to change right now.” But Trump was light on how he’d bring about the change, instead betting that his catch-all anger would be enough to win voters to his side.

Trump’s campaign entered the convention hoping to show the personal side of Donald Trump and to help voters imagine him in the White House. Instead, a series of distractions overshadowed entire days of convention programming as Trump’s most-scripted moments hit some snags. Taken as a whole, Trump was successful at softening his image, in particular in the fourth night of programing as friend Tom Barrack and Ivanka Trump delivered testimonials. But it’s too early to tell whether voters will buy it.

Hillary Clinton is expected to announce her selection for Vice President as soon as Friday in a message to her supporters. Strong signals from her orbit point to Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine as her selection. The admittedly boring candidate would be a safe pick for the presumptive Democratic nominee, designed to highlight her experience without overshadowing her less-than-thrilling campaign persona.

Fact-checking Trump’s speech. How Trump appealed to LGBTQ voters. And young Republicans speak out.

We’ll be back on Monday with more from the Democratic convention in Philadelphia on Monday. Here are your must reads:

Must Reads

Midnight in America: Donald Trump’s Gloomy Convention Speech
TIME’s Alex Altman on Trump’s message of fear

Republican Convention Ends With Mixed Results for Donald Trump
He came with a clear goal, but distractions muddled the message [TIME]

Donald Trump’s Big Convention Gamble Could Shock Hillary Clinton
TIME’s David Von Drehle on Trump’s unique playbook

Hillary Clinton Prepares for Vice Presidential Pick
Announcement expected within the next 24 hours [TIME]

Young Republicans Want the GOP to Back Off Social Issues
TIME speaks with young convention-goers

Fact-Checking Donald Trump’s Acceptance Speech
TIME’s Haley Sweetland Edwards checks the GOP nominee’s assertions about crime

How Donald Trump Courted Gay Voters at the Convention
TIME’s Philip Elliott on Trump’s overture

Sound Off

“I have to say, as a Republican, it is so nice to hear you cheering for what I just said. Thank you.” — Donald Trump as Republicans cheered his call for protections for LGBTQ people

“Our Convention occurs at a moment of crisis for our nation. The attacks on our police, and the terrorism in our cities, threaten our very way of life. Any politician who does not grasp this danger is not fit to lead our country.” — Donald Trump opening his doom-and-gloom message at the GOP convention

Bits and Bites

How the Establishment Beat Ted Cruz and Never Trump [TIME]

Ivanka Trump Steals the Show [TIME]

Watch Jon Stewart Return to Late Night to Shred Trump, the GOP and Fox News [TIME]

Photographing Tensions at the Republican Convention [TIME]

Never Trump Lives, Sort Of [TIME]

GOP Shows White Supremacist’s Tweet During Trump’s Speech [TIME]