Republican Donald Trump is set to hold his first public campaign rally since surviving an assassination attempt, alongside his new running mate in Michigan, a crucial swing state in the upcoming presidential election. The joint rally with Ohio Sen. JD Vance marks their first public appearance as the GOP nominees, following their official nomination at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Trump emphasized unity in his speech, stating his intention to be a president for all Americans.
Michigan, a battleground state, played a pivotal role in the 2016 and 2020 elections. Trump narrowly won the state in 2016, but it was flipped by Democrat Joe Biden in 2020. With Vance by his side, Trump aims to appeal to Rust Belt voters in states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Ohio, who were instrumental in his 2016 victory.
Democrats have historically dominated Michigan elections, but Republicans see an opportunity as divisions within the Democratic party emerge. Biden, the Democratic incumbent, is currently isolating after testing positive for COVID-19. Grand Rapids, where the rally will take place, is a key area that both campaigns are targeting, especially after Nikki Haley's strong showing in the Republican primary.
U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten, a Democrat from Grand Rapids, is among those calling for Biden to step aside following a perceived poor debate performance. Biden, however, has reiterated his commitment to staying in the race and has criticized Trump's vision for the future as 'dark'.
