Trump Hosts First Outdoor Rally After Last Month’s Assassination Attempt

In a return to the campaign trail, Donald Trump held a rally in Asheboro, North Carolina, marking his first outdoor event since the recent assassination attempt against him. The rally focused on national security as part of his weeklong strategy to draw attention away from the Democratic National Convention currently taking place in Chicago.

Standing behind a podium encased in bulletproof glass, Trump declared, “Seventy-six days from now, we’re going to win this state and we’re going to win the White House.” The venue was heavily secured, featuring storage containers around the stage to obstruct views and snipers positioned on nearby roofs. Old aircraft adorned the backdrop alongside a large American flag suspended by cranes.

The rally aimed to spotlight national security issues, while Trump’s allies encouraged him to concentrate on policies rather than personal jabs, particularly with Kamala Harris now serving as his primary opponent following Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race. On the same evening, the Democratic convention featured sharp criticisms from both Barack and Michelle Obama, who took particular aim at Trump during their speeches.

Michelle Obama highlighted Trump’s narrow-minded perspective, which she claimed made him feel threatened by accomplished Black individuals. She provocatively referenced a remark he made during a debate in June, questioning who would inform him that the presidency might be one of “those ‘Black jobs.’”

Barack Obama also targeted Trump, criticizing him for fixating on the size of his crowds and labeling him as “a 78-year-old billionaire who hasn’t stopped whining about his problems since he rode down his golden escalator nine years ago.” He added that Trump’s grievances have intensified as the Republican contender confronts the prospect of losing to Harris.

During the rally, Trump was accompanied by his running mate, Senator JD Vance of Ohio. Vance characterized Harris’s selection as a choice made by “power brokers” rather than by the electorate. He also criticized her vice presidential pick, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, focusing on Walz’s military record and his retirement before deployment to Iraq.

“What won’t Stolen Valor Tim Walz lie about?” questioned Vance, a former Marine, provoking reactions from the audience.

This week has been Trump’s busiest campaigning since the Republican primaries, with a particular emphasis on battleground states. North Carolina is crucial to his campaign; this marks the second visit to the state within a week. Last Wednesday, he addressed the economy in Asheville.

Trump achieved a significant victory in North Carolina in 2016, and the state’s close margins make it vital for the upcoming election in 2024. Prior to his rally, his airplane conducted a flyover of the event site, drawing cheers from the assembled crowd.

Supporters expressed optimism about Trump’s chances in the forthcoming election. Edna Ryan, a 68-year-old retired flight attendant, expressed her confidence, stating, “We need to be strong because otherwise we’re going to be very sorry.”

Lisa Watts, a retired business owner attending her fifth Trump rally, echoed similar sentiments, expressing positivity regarding Trump’s competition against Harris. She noted how Harris, previously scarcely mentioned, has now been elevated to a “savior for the country.”

Watts opined that Harris’s track record does not justify her perceived readiness to take on presidential responsibilities. She believes that Democrats will attempt to maintain Harris’s elevated status but anticipates that the excitement surrounding her will eventually diminish.

The political landscape is continuously shifting as both parties prepare for what promises to be a competitive election cycle ahead.

Source: AP