Sorry, Donald Trump: America is much less violent than it has been in decades

Donald Trump preparing for his RNC acceptance speech

(Image credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

In preparing for Donald Trump's speech to accept the Republican presidential nomination Thursday night, PolitiFact set the stage by saying "we expect he may repeat some misleading statements," listing seven in particular. According to a draft of his speech leaked online Thursday afternoon, Trump will spend a big part of his speech talking about how "to make life safe in America" after President Obama's tenure, listing attacks by illegal immigrants and Islamist terrorists. "We will make America safe again," Trump is expected to conclude, repeating the theme of his Republican National Convention's first night. "And we will make America great again."

Dara Lind at Vox notes, however, that despite the speeches and general tenor at the convention, "you probably are more safe than you were eight years ago," with graphs and charts offered as proof. New York's Annie Lowrey has another:

There is compelling evidence that proffered "facts" don't matter much to committed partisans, and may in fact be counterproductive.

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But as you watch Trump speak, you might want to keep his Trumpiness in mind as he delivers what is sure to be the performance of his life.

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.