Tim Walz’s ‘Weird’ Take on IVF and the Economy

LA CROSSE, Wisc. – Former President Donald Trump held a town hall meeting in Wisconsin, a key state for the upcoming presidential election, which lasted just over 30 minutes. This format marked a shift from Trump’s usual lengthy rallies, where he often speaks for over an hour.

During the event, he addressed around six pre-selected questions that touched on various themes, including national security, inflation, immigration, and support for in vitro fertilization (IVF). His responses aimed at engaging the audience and highlighting his policies.

One significant moment came when Gabbard, the moderator and a former Democratic congresswoman, asked Trump about IVF. Earlier that day, Trump had announced his desire for the government or insurers to fully cover the costs of IVF treatments.

Gabbard shared her own challenges with pregnancy and how IVF had provided a solution for her. Trump acknowledged the importance of IVF, stating it has changed lives for many families. “Government is going to pay for it, or we’re going to mandate your insurance company to pay for it, which is going to be great,” he declared, emphasizing his commitment to this initiative.

Another notable question came from a student at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse regarding inflation. The student expressed concerns about rising grocery and gas prices, making home ownership seem unattainable. In response, Trump suggested that the U.S. should become “the energy capital of the world” while hinting at plans to reduce debt. However, specifics on his economic strategy were sparse.

Trump assured the audience, “Your groceries are going to come tumbling down, and your interest rates are going to come tumbling down,” reflecting a commitment to economic rejuvenation that aligns with the American dream of home ownership.

A recent Marquette University Law School poll indicated that the economy is the top concern among voters in Wisconsin, with 38% prioritizing it in their decision-making for the upcoming election. Following this was an emphasis on abortion policy and immigration, showing how crucial economic discussions remain for voters.

Democrats swiftly reacted to Trump’s town hall, critiquing him on issues such as abortion rights and infrastructure. Prior to the event, Wisconsin’s Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez highlighted Vice President Kamala Harris’ economic plans, which included significant measures aimed at helping families, such as down payment assistance and a ban on price gouging for groceries.

Trump dismissed these proposals as unrealistic, labeling the ban on price gouging a “communist plan.” The response further illustrated the sharp contrasts between the two parties in the lead-up to the elections.

During a segment about crime, when asked by an attendee from Minnesota, Trump referred to Minnesota’s Governor Tim Walz as “a weird guy.” This remark strayed from the questions at hand and reflected Trump’s ongoing strategy of framing his opponents in a less favorable light.

The evening concluded with Trump responding to about six questions, briefly addressing on-topic issues while occasionally diverging into unrelated topics, such as claims regarding election fraud.

Despite the focus on critical issues, much of the crowd’s enthusiasm was directed toward Trump’s barbs against Harris, particularly regarding her decision to pre-record an interview while he was providing live commentary. This moment stood out amidst a predominantly subdued town hall structure.

Trump’s visit to La Crosse County, which he has lost in the previous two elections, signals his interest in turning the tide in this Democratic-leaning area. The county favored Biden in the 2020 election with 56% of the vote, compared to Trump’s 42%. Historically, such battleground areas are crucial for any presidential candidate aiming for success in Wisconsin.

In summary, Trump’s brief town hall encapsulated both his campaign strategies and responses to pressing voter concerns but raised questions about whether these tactics will resonate with the electorate this time around.

Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel