Melania projects husband Trump's softer side

Melania Trump projected Donald as a kind and compassionate man.

Cleveland: Melania Trump, the wife of presumptive presidential nominee Donald Trump, projected him as a kind and compassionate man as she tried to soften the controversial businessman's hard-edged persona during her speech at the Republican National Convention here.

Making a passionate plea for her husband, Melania said Trump will never ever let Americans down.

"I can tell you with certainty that my husband has been concerned about our country for as long as I have known him. With all of my heart, I know that he will make a great and lasting difference," she said.

"Donald has a great and deep and unbounding determination and a never-give-up attitude. I have seen him fight for years to get a project done or even started, and he does not give up. If you want someone to fight for you and your country, I can assure you he's the guy," she said amidst applause on the first night of the four-day Republican National Convention.

In an unconventional move, Trump himself appeared on the first day of the Convention and made a very brief introductory remarks for his spouse.

"She would be a great First Lady," Trump said.

Melania, a naturalised immigrant who is Trump's third wife, talked about Trump's leadership and his doggedness when facing a challenge.

"He will never ever give up. And most importantly, he will never ever let you down. Donald is and always has been an amazing leader. Now he will go to work for you. His achievements speak for themselves, and his performance throughout the primary campaign proves that he knows how to win. He also knows how to remain focused on improving our country, on keeping it safe and secure," she said.

Trump, she said, "is tough when he has to be, but he's also kind and fair and caring".

"This kindness is not always noted, but it is there for all to see. That is one reason I fell in love with him to begin with," the former fashion model said.

"Donald is intensely loyal to family, friends, employees, country. He has the utmost respect for his parents, Mary and Fred, to his sisters Maryanne and Elizabeth, to his brother, Robert, and to the memory of his late brother, Fred. His children have been cared for and mentored to the extent that even his advisers admit they're an amazing testament to who he is as a man and a father," she said.

Noting that Trump thinks big, which is especially important when considering the presidency of the US, she said there is no room for small thinking, no room for small results.

"Donald gets things done," she said.

"America is underperforming and needs new leadership," she said.

"Leadership is also what the world needs. Donald wants our country to move forward in the most positive of ways. Everyone wants change. Donald is the only one that can deliver it. We should not be satisfied with stagnation. Donald wants prosperity for all Americans," she argued.

"Trump's experience exemplifies growth and successful passage of opportunity to the next generation. His success indicates inclusion rather than division. My husband offers a new direction, welcoming change, prosperity and greater cooperation among peoples and nations. Donald intends to represent all the people, not just some of the people," she said.

"That includes Christians and Jews and Muslims. It includes Hispanics and African Americans and Asians, and the poor and the middle class," she added.

Born on April 26, 1970 in Slovenia, Melania Knauss began her modeling career at the age of sixteen. At the age of eighteen, she signed with a modeling agency in Milan.

Melania said as first lady she will use that wonderful privilege to try to help people in the country who need it the most.

"One of the many causes dear to my heart is helping children and women. You judge society by how it treats its citizens. We must do our best to ensure that every child can live in comfort and security with the best possible education," she said.