Donald Trump is (mostly) sticking to his script when it comes to Harris. Will it stay that way?
Trump wants to use bulletproof glass at outdoor rallies
The Secret Service is increasing its protection for Trump and is using, among other things, bulletproof glass at some of his outdoor rallies.
WASHINGTON – Former President Donald Trump began a counter-program for the Democratic National Convention on Monday by doing something relatively unusual: He stuck (mostly) to the script.
Democratic candidate Kamala Harris “puts America last – I put America first,” Trump said during a prepared speech at Precision Custom Components in York, Pennsylvania, the first of a series of events that will take him to swing states such as Pennsylvania, Michigan, North Carolina, Arizona and Nevada.
The ex-president did find time to hurl several insults at “Comrade Kamala,” even as other Republicans urged him to focus on his issues. The former president also said that President Joe Biden was the victim of a Democratic “coup,” prompting the incumbent to receive harsh responses and drop out of the race against Trump.
“His stability is still questionable,” Biden told reporters during the tour for his convention speech on Monday evening.
A few things to know from the first day of the Trump-style Democratic National Convention:
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Shall we stick to the topics? We will see
The first political surprise of the week: Trump started a campaign rally on time.
Second, in his criticism of Harris’ economic policies, he largely stuck to the issues, saying they would lead to more inflation, higher taxes, lower domestic energy production and an over-regulated economy.
But we should not yet speak of a “new Trump”; Trump has still heaped insults on Harris, and he is giving more speeches every day this week.
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Some commentators noted that Trump’s rhetorical digressions and occasional deviations from the topic occurred throughout his speech. Republican strategist Karl Rove said on Fox News that Trump needs “a much more disciplined message” in the future.
Last week, Trump’s allies urged the Republican candidate on television to focus on the issues and avoid harsh attacks on Harris as he tours swing states. His Republican running mate, JD Vance, is also on the road this week.
In an appearance Sunday on NBC’s “Meet The Press,” Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said Trump’s “policies are good for America, and if there is a political debate about the presidency, he wins. Donald Trump, the provocateur, the showman, may not win this election.”
Does Trump miss Biden?
Trump once again made it clear how much he misses running against Biden, whom he was ahead of in numerous polls before he withdrew from the presidential race.
The former president says he should still run against Biden and that Democrats have carried out a “coup” against their president.
His biggest concern: Harris is gaining in the polls and appears to pose a far greater threat to Trump’s re-election than Biden.
Biden and other Democrats said Trump had no right to criticize Democrats’ nomination decisions.
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Trump keeps an eye on Harris. And Harris looks back
While Trump and the Republicans watch Harris and her convention, Harris’ team reacts to Trump.
The Republican candidate will be the subject of many convention speeches, and Democrats responded to Trump’s speech throughout the day.
In a statement after the campaign rally in Pennsylvania, the Harris team said that Trump’s economic plans would ultimately harm most Americans.
“It was impossible to say what Donald Trump was going to say today, but Americans should be clear about what he is about to do,” the statement said. “He will raise the cost of middle-class families by $3,900 a year.”
On social media site X, the Harris rapid response team stated: “Trump left office with the worst jobs record since the Great Depression,” the Harris campaign team said on social media site X.
