Donald Trump is set to hold his first campaign rally since surviving an assassination attempt on Saturday, with the event taking place in battleground Michigan.
Trump will be joined by his vice presidential running mate, J.D. Vance, in what is expected to be a triumphant and high-energy appearance.
In stark contrast, President Joe Biden remains isolated at home due to Covid, facing mounting pressure from within his party to consider stepping aside. Despite this, Biden’s loyalists continue to defend him. Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow, speaking ahead of Trump’s rally, expressed skepticism about Trump and Vance’s commitment to working-class issues, stating, “Give me a break.”
Biden’s team insists that the president plans to resume campaigning soon, with a spokesperson stating he will be back on the trail “next week.” However, there is growing speculation and discussion within Biden’s inner circle about the potential for him to step aside, with some senior Democrats and donors warning that his continued candidacy might jeopardize both the White House and congressional control.
Vice President Kamala Harris is seen as the most likely replacement should Biden decide to withdraw. Senator Elizabeth Warren, while affirming Biden as the nominee, expressed optimism about Harris’s readiness to unite the party and challenge Trump. Warren stated on MSNBC, “If President Biden decides to step back, we have Vice President Kamala Harris, who is ready to step up, to unite the party, to take on Donald Trump, and to win in November.”
Despite fears that a late switch could lead to party chaos, Michael Tyler, Biden-Harris communications director, assured that the president would return to campaigning “as soon as we have a green light.”
Meanwhile, Trump’s campaign is buoyed by recent successes, including favorable court rulings and heightened support following the assassination attempt. The rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is expected to be a significant event, with many of Trump’s ardent supporters already lining up hours in advance.
Trump used his recent convention speech to assert control over the Republican Party and criticize Biden’s administration. In response, Biden has taken to X (formerly Twitter) to challenge Trump’s claims, highlighting concerns about Trump’s favorable stance towards dictators.
The upcoming rally will take place at the Van Andel Arena, a 12,000-capacity venue that allows for heightened security measures. Trump’s campaign appearance with Vance is anticipated to emphasize Vance’s blue-collar appeal, potentially boosting Trump’s support in crucial swing states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.