Trump and RFK Jr. Join Forces to Counter Democratic Surge in Arizona

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. joined forces with Donald Trump in Arizona on Friday, aiming to challenge what they described as entrenched interests within the Democratic Party. Their goal was to rally support for Trump as he seeks to regain momentum in key battleground states critical for the upcoming elections.

The event took place at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, where a packed crowd matched the turnout seen at a Democratic event in the same venue just two weeks earlier. Kennedy’s participation brought a renewed energy to the rally, showcasing a unified front between the two figures who are often viewed as outsiders in the political landscape.

As Trump, the Republican presidential nominee and former president, took the stage, he adjusted his tone to launch personal attacks against Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee. This response came after Harris and other Democratic leaders criticized him during their recent four-day national convention in Chicago.

Throughout his speech, Trump intentionally mispronounced Harris’ first name and labeled her with the disparaging nickname “Comrade Kamala Harris.” He ridiculed her convention acceptance speech, suggesting she was evading pressing issues like inflation, thereby emphasizing his criticisms of the current administration.

Trump also expressed his grievances regarding the circumstances leading to President Joe Biden’s exit from the race. He claimed, “They rig their primaries. They force out Joe Biden,” alluding to what he perceives as an unfair political system that deprives voters of their choices. His remarks included a pointed critique of the Democratic Party, claiming Biden had received a substantial number of votes but was ousted from the race undemocratically.

In a broader context, Trump articulated his perspective on political opposition, saying, “They want to arrest their political opponents and silence those who disagree,” a comment that some might find ironic given his ongoing legal battles related to various indictments.

The former president positioned himself as a defender of democracy, claiming, “Our opponents slander us as a threat to democracy. No, they’re a threat to democracy.” He also made promises not to cut Social Security benefits while proposing the elimination of taxes on Social Security income, as well as taxes on gratuities—issues he noted align with Harris’ own proposals.

Additionally, Trump vowed to swiftly resolve the ongoing war in Ukraine if he regains the presidency. He condemned the current administration for what he labeled a surge in illegal immigration since he left office.

Kennedy, though he highlighted certain ideological differences with Trump, expressed a shared commitment to altering the existing power dynamics in Washington. He echoed Trump’s earlier calls to “drain the swamp,” emphasizing the need to reduce neoconservative influence in U.S. foreign policy. “He told me he wanted to end the grip of the neocons on U.S. foreign policy,” Kennedy remarked, receiving cheers from the crowd.

He also implied that American involvement in foreign warfare was an ongoing concern, asking rhetorically, “Don’t you want a president who’s going to get us out of the wars and rebuild the middle class in this country?” However, it is important to clarify that U.S. troops are not actively engaged in combat in Ukraine or in conflicts involving Hamas in Gaza.

The rally represented a crucial moment for Trump, particularly after Harris recently took the place of President Biden, gaining traction in polls across vital swing states, including Arizona. During his Arizona swing, which included stops at the U.S.-Mexican border and in Las Vegas, Trump delivered a more concise speech than usual, lasting only 65 minutes. This decision may have stemmed from observations that audience engagement had dwindled during his longer addresses.

Before Trump’s speech, Kennedy announced the suspension of his independent presidential campaign, attributing his shift to supporting Trump to media bias and what he characterized as a corrupt Democratic Party. He voiced concerns about the media allegedly suppressing his viewpoints while promoting narratives aligned with Democratic interests.

Kennedy criticized Democrats for collaborating with the military-industrial complex regarding the war in Ukraine, asserting that this prolongs conflict which should be resolved. He also condemned pharmaceutical companies for contributing to what he called the “systematic poisoning” of American children.

The reception for Kennedy during the rally was enthusiastic, marked by applause and chants as he took the stage. This contrasted sharply with Trump’s failure to mention his running mate, Sen. JD Vance from Ohio, during his remarks.

In a topic of particular interest, Trump discussed creating an independent commission to investigate presidential assassination attempts, mentioning his pledge to declassify remaining secret files related to President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963—an issue he had previously addressed during his presidency.

Source: Arizona Republic