Trump to Hold First Campaign Rally Since Assassination Attempt
Donald Trump will hold his first public campaign rally since the assassination attempt in Michigan, accompanied by his new running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance.
Joint Rally in Michigan
The rally marks the first public event for Trump and Vance since they were officially nominated at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Trump named Vance his vice-presidential pick at the convention and ended the event with a call for unity following the July 13 shooting in Pennsylvania, which left Trump with a bloodied ear and resulted in one fatality.
Call for Unity
“I am running to be president for all of America, not half of America, because there is no victory in winning for half of America,” Trump declared. His convention speech was the longest in modern history, lasting just under 93 minutes.
Key Swing State
Michigan, a critical swing state, played a pivotal role in the 2016 and 2020 elections. Trump won Michigan by just over 10,000 votes in 2016, but Joe Biden flipped it back in 2020 with a margin of 154,000 votes. Trump and Vance will be speaking in Grand Rapids, a traditionally Republican stronghold that has trended more Democratic in recent elections.
Vance’s Appeal to Rust Belt Voters
Trump’s selection of Vance is seen as a strategic move to gain support among Rust Belt voters in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Ohio. Vance emphasized his connection to these regions in his acceptance speech, highlighting his upbringing in small-town Ohio and his commitment to working-class Americans.
Democratic Challenges
Democrats have recently dominated elections in Michigan, but internal divisions regarding Biden’s candidacy present an opportunity for Republicans. Biden has refused to drop out and has aimed to refocus attention on Trump, criticizing his acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention.
Biden’s Current Status
Biden, 81, who recently appeared in Detroit, is currently isolating at his beach home in Delaware after testing positive for COVID-19.
Grand Rapids Significance
Grand Rapids, the largest city in Kent County, is a significant location for both parties. Trump won Kent County in 2016, but Biden flipped it in 2020. The area also saw substantial support for Nikki Haley in the Republican primary in February, making it a key target for both campaigns.
Democratic Concerns
U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten, a Democrat representing Grand Rapids, is among the lawmakers urging Biden to step aside following a poor debate performance.