Donald Trump vows to go all the way to win US presidency

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Donald Trump's son, Donald, Jr., as a delegate from New York, casts the votes that secure his father the Republican party's presidential nomination Tuesday night in Cleveland.
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Donald Trump’s youngest daughter, Tiffany, addresses the Republican National Convention, describing him as an encouraging father who 'draws out the talent and drive in people.'
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The son of real estate billionaire and Republican presidential nominee, Donald Trump, says his father didn't spend his career behind an executive desk, but instead was at construction sites.
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Donald Trump addresses the Republican National Convention by video link, promising that 'together… we are going to make America great again.'
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House Majority Speaker Paul Ryan delivers enthusiastic endorsement of Donald Trump at the Republican National Convention and calls on the party to unify.
The US Republican convention has nominated Mr Donald Trump as presidential nominee for the November election. PHOTO: AFP
(From left) Mr Donald Trump Jr, Ms Ivanka Trump and Mr Eric Trump take part in the roll call on the second day of the Republican National Convention. PHOTO: AFP
Delegates supportive of Mr Donald Trump during a roll call on the second day of the Republican National Convention on July 19 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. PHOTO: AFP
The New York delegation puts Mr Donald Trump 'over the top' to win the 2016 Republican presidential nomination. PHOTO: REUTERS

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Mr Donald Trump vowed to "go all the way" to win the US presidency in November, after the Republican party officially endorsed him as their candidate on Tuesday night (Wednesday morning Singapore time).

"This is a movement. But we have to go all the way. I am so proud to be your nominee for president of the United States," he told delegates at the Republican National Convention via video.

The 70-year-old billionaire also said winning the Republican nomination was something he would never forget.

"What we did getting the party's nomination, I will never forget it," he said. "With your vote today, this stage of the presidential process has come to a close. Together we have achieved historic results."

"We are going to win the presidency and bring real change and leadership back to Washington," Mr Trump said to applause. "We will win in November."

The deciding votes on Tuesday - the ones that put Mr Trump over the 1,237-delegate mark required to secure the nomination - came after about 90 minutes of voting when his home state of New York cast its votes for him.

Mr Trump's eldest child Donald Trump Jr announced the votes on behalf of the state.

"It is my honour to be able to throw Donald Trump over the top tonight. Congratulations dad, we love you!" said Mr Donald Trump Jr, with his brother Eric and sister Ivanka next to him.

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With that, a gigantic screen flashed the words "Over The Top" in big bold letters as the song "New York, New York" boomed over the loudspeakers.

"Such a great honor to be the Republican Nominee for President of the United States. I will work hard and never let you down! AMERICA FIRST!" Mr Trump tweeted to his nearly 10 million followers.

At the end of the voting, Mr Trump won with 1,725 delegates, followed by Senator Ted Cruz of Texas with 475 delegates, Ohio Governor John Kasich with 120 and Senator Marco Rubio of Florida with 114. Three other candidates emerged with a total of 12 delegates.

After the presidential vote, the convention by voice vote nominated Indiana Governor Mike Pence, 57, as Mr Trump's vice-presidential running mate.

Mr Trump's Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, was quick to respond, tweeting after the vote: "Donald Trump just became the Republican nominee. Chip in now to make sure he never steps foot in the Oval Office."

The voting on Day 2 of the Republican national convention went smoothly with only a few hints of the rebellion that soured the first day of the convention. The threatened walkouts and vote changes did not materialise, and the clearest signs of division were the occasional boos that rang out from sections of the crowd.

There was momentary confusion on the floor when the delegations from Michigan and New York passed on their turn to vote, but the move was meant to allow New York to interject later and be the deciding vote.

Before the voting began, House Speaker Paul Ryan called for an orderly process.

"I wish to remind our delegates, our alternates and guests that maintaining order during the roll call is extremely important."

By the end, Mr Trump had easily gained the number of votes he needed. He is due to make a speech to accept the nomination on Thursday night at the climax of the convention.

Mr Trump beat 16 rivals to clinch the party's nomination in a campaign that has been marked by frequent controversy over his rhetoric on Muslims, Hispanics, illegal immigration and trade.

Republicans are hoping to use the four-day convention, which began on Monday, to present Mr Trump in a more favourable light.

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