Trump expected to call for national unity in first speech since assassination attempt

Strategists view Republican convention address as time to pivot' ex-president's image, while critics remain skeptical

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With political winds at his back, Donald Trump on Thursday is expected to use his first speech since surviving an assassination attempt to plead for national unity.

Strategists view the Republican national convention address, likely to be watched by tens of millions of Americans on primetime television, as a unique opportunity to redefine the former US president as more palatable to moderate voters.