Melania's Rough Draft

As I began to prepare my remarks, I thought to myself: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. But that was only a start. Imagine there's no heaven. It's easy if you try. No hell below us. Above us only sky. Imagine all the people, Living for today... Aha-ah...
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UNITED STATES - JULY 18: Melania Trump, wife of Republican presumptive nominee Donald Trump, speaks during the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio on Monday, July 18, 2016. (Photo By Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)
UNITED STATES - JULY 18: Melania Trump, wife of Republican presumptive nominee Donald Trump, speaks during the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio on Monday, July 18, 2016. (Photo By Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

Thank you very much. Thank you. You have all been very kind to Donald and me, to our young son Barron, and to our whole family. Ladies and gentlemen, I have a dream.
I have a dream that children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by net worth of their parents but by the content of their character.

From a young age, my parents impressed on me the values that you work hard for what you want in life: that your word is your bond and you do what you say and keep your promise; that you treat people with respect. If you only consult Donald's financials, you'll see what we have. And what we owe. It isn't very much. But Donald and I have the satisfaction that every dime that we've got is honestly ours. I should say this. I don't have many mink coats, I have 41 respectable Republican cloth coats, and Donald always says I look hot in anything.

I have been with Donald for 18 years and I have been aware of his love for this country since we first met. He never had a hidden agenda when it comes to his patriotism because, like me, he loves this country so much. But do not mistake his warnings about Mexicans, Muslims, Obama, Hillary, China and NBC Universal as fearmongering. Let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself -- nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life, a leadership of frankness and of vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory. And I am convinced that you will again give that support to Donald in these critical days.

As I began to prepare my remarks, I thought to myself: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. But that was only a start. Imagine there's no heaven. It's easy if you try. No hell below us. Above us only sky. Imagine all the people, Living for today... Aha-ah...

I was born in Slovenia, a small, beautiful and then communist country in Central Europe. Think: Austria, minus the schnitzel. My sister Ines, who is an incredible woman and a friend, and I were raised by my wonderful parents. My elegant and hard-working mother Amalia introduced me to fashion and beauty. My father Viktor instilled in me a passion for business and travel. Their integrity, compassion and intelligence reflect to this day on me and for my love of family and America. I dedicate this speech to them. But in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. We can, however, build a resort on it.

And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country. Let us brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves that if the Republican Party lasts for a thousand years, men will still say, "This was their finest hour."

Thank you, God bless you, and God bless America.

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