Former President Donald Trump appeared in Flint, Michigan, for a town hall event, his first public appearance since the recent apparent assassination attempt against him. The overflow crowd chanted “God bless Trump!” and “Fight, Fight, Fight” as U.S. Secret Service agents surrounded the stage to protect him. Trump described running for president as a dangerous business, comparing it to car racing or bull riding, and stated that only consequential presidents get shot at.
Vice President Kamala Harris, in contrast, struck a measured tone in an interview with Black journalists, avoiding mentioning Trump by name. Both candidates briefly put their differences aside in a phone call described as “very, very nice” by Trump, despite crowds booing when Harris was mentioned.
Trump and Harris are ramping up campaigning efforts, with Trump reiterating threats against election workers and donors. He also posted on social media about seeking out and prosecuting those involved in unscrupulous behavior. The town hall in Michigan focused on the auto industry, with Trump making claims about Democrats undercutting American car manufacturing and Chinese automakers building factories in Mexico.
Harris, on the other hand, answered questions at a quiet venue in Philadelphia, criticizing Trump on various issues but avoiding direct naming. She addressed eroding support among Black male voters and refrained from commenting on reparations for descendants of slaves.
Both candidates are concentrating on swing areas like the industrial Midwest and Pennsylvania, with upcoming stops in various states. Trump has accused Democrats of inspiring violent attacks against him, while Harris and Biden have condemned political violence and called for increased funding for the Secret Service.
The recent apparent assassination attempt involved a man camping outside a Florida golf course where Trump was playing, armed with a rifle. The suspect fled without firing shots when spotted by a Secret Service agent and was subsequently arrested. Trump's running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, highlighted the disparity in attacks against the two candidates.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized zero tolerance for violence-inciting rhetoric and defended Biden and Harris against accusations of stoking division. The incidents have raised concerns about potential violence against Trump, with supporters expressing worries but also noting that such attacks may energize his base.
