Donald Trump’s New Campaign Strategy: Emphasizing Two Assassination Attempts
WASHINGTON – Expect President Donald Trump to heavily incorporate the two recent assassination attempts into his campaign narrative.
“These brushes with death have not weakened my spirit,” Trump stated at the beginning of a rally on Wednesday in Long Island, New York. “In fact, they have given me a greater purpose. They have only strengthened my determination to spend my time on Earth making America great again for everyone.”
During a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and again in a town hall in Michigan on Tuesday, Trump elaborated on the shooting incident from July 13 and the recent arrest of a man who aimed a firearm at his golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Despite critiques of the Secret Service, Trump lauded security and law enforcement agencies in Florida during his rally at a former sports arena in Uniondale, N.Y.; he once more referenced a divine influence.
“God has saved my life not just once, but twice,” Trump declared.
Key points from the Long Island rally:
Destination Springfield
Trump announced plans to visit Springfield, Ohio, a location that recently became notable due to a dispute involving migrants which led to a controversial comment during last week’s debate with Harris. He inaccurately claimed that Haitian migrants in the area were consuming dogs and cats, although no evidence supports this.
“I will be going there within the next two weeks,” Trump mentioned to his Long Island audience. “I’m headed to Springfield.”
Additionally, Trump mentioned his intention to travel to Aurora, Colorado, where a similar migrant issue has arisen over misinformation.
‘My Admiration for the Teamsters’
Trump highlighted favorable news regarding the Teamsters while exaggerating their actions.
“I was honored to receive the support from the rank-and-file members of the Teamsters,” Trump asserted, though the organization itself clarified that it would not officially endorse him or Vice President Kamala Harris.
However, the Teamsters did share polling that indicated a majority of their members back Trump.
The decision of the union’s leadership to remain neutral was a blow to Harris and the Democrats, which Trump was pleased to point out.
“I love the Teamsters,” Trump expressed.
Iran Hacking Incident Revisited
Trump took advantage of – and misrepresented – the news regarding Iran’s hacking of his campaign, alleging they tried to share campaign information with associates of then-President Joe Biden’s campaign.
The former president falsely claimed that “Biden is collaborating with Iran” and added that “Iran is not fond of me.” He alleged that Iran took campaign materials and “shared them with the Biden campaign,” which did not occur.
In a statement, spokesperson Morgan Finkelstein from the Harris-Walz campaign confirmed that they have been cooperating with authorities since discovering that “individuals connected to the then-Biden campaign were among the intended targets of this foreign influence operation.”
New York: A Daunting Challenge?
In his Long Island address, Trump spoke optimistically about potentially winning New York state in the upcoming November elections – a feat many consider nearly impossible based on polling data.
Despite being a native New Yorker, Trump received less than 37 percent of the state’s votes in the 2016 and 2020 elections. No Republican candidate has won New York state since Ronald Reagan in 1984.
Conversely, New York could play a significant role in the contest for control of the U.S. House of Representatives, with several competitive congressional districts.
Why Hold a Rally in Long Island?
This Long Island rally was initially set to be Trump’s first public event after being sentenced for his conviction in a case regarding hush money in New York, which was supposed to occur on Wednesday, July 18.
However, earlier this month, the judge postponed sentencing until after the Election Day, scheduled for November 5.
A National Tribute to 9/11 Victims
While discussing New York matters, Trump paid his respects to the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and acknowledged the bravery of police officers, firefighters, and emergency responders who handled the crisis.
Trump stated that if he is reelected, he intends to officially designate Ground Zero, the former location of the collapsed World Trade Center, as a national monument to be preserved by the U.S. government.
“So that sacred ground – and the memory of those who lost their lives there – will be preserved forever,” Trump declared.