Donald Trump has completed the greatest step in his improbable rise, by accepting the GOP nomination to face Clinton, the former first lady, senator and secretary of state. Trump pledged to the cheering Republicans and still-skeptical voters, that as president he will restore the safety they fear they're losing, strictly curb immigration and save the nation from a Hillary Clinton record of "death, destruction, terrorism and weakness."

As the crowd, fiercely opposed to Clinton, broke out in its oft-used chant of, "Lock her up," he waved them off, and instead declared, "Let's defeat her in November."

"I'm with you, and I will fight for you, and I will win for you," he declared. "I have joined the political arena so that the powerful can no longer beat up on people that cannot defend themselves."

"This is the legacy of Hillary Clinton: death, destruction and weakness," he said. "But Hillary Clinton's legacy does not have to be America's legacy."

"As president, my father will change the labor laws that were put in place at a time when women weren't a significant portion of the workplace and he will focus on making quality childcare affordable and accessible for all," his daughter Ivanka said.

"As long as we are led by politicians who will not put 'America First,' then we can be assured that other nations will not treat America with respect," Trump said.

At every turn, Trump drew very sharp contrasts with Clinton, casting her as unqualified for the presidency and too tied to Washington elites to understand voters' struggles. Her greatest accomplishment, Trump said, was avoiding punishment from the FBI for her use of a private email and personal server while as secretary of state.

Democrats will formally nominate Clinton at their convention on next week in Philadelphia. Clinton is on the verge of naming a running mate to join her in taking on Trump and his vice presidential pick, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, in the general election. Virginia Senator Tim Kaine has emerged as her top choice.

By Premji