Donald Trump‘s first outdoor rally since the attempted assassination was a testament to his ability to connect with his base, but it also raised questions about the tone and content of his message. As he took the stage, his anger was palpable, and he directed his hostile energy at President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, criticizing their handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal and ongoing wars. Trump’s speech was replete with personal attacks, as he vowed to hold accountable every senior military official involved in the withdrawal operation if he were elected.
He promised to “get critical race theory and transgender insanity the hell out of our US armed forces” and launch the largest peacetime recruitment drive in the nation’s history. Trump’s barbs were not limited to the military, however, as he also launched a scathing attack on Harris, labeling her “the most radical left person ever to run for high political office in our country” and warning that she would “destroy the country if elected.” Trump’s running mate, JD Vance, joined him on stage and echoed his criticisms of Harris, portraying her as a candidate chosen by power brokers rather than voters.
Donald Trump (Via Donald Trump/Twitter)
Vance took aim at Harris’s selection of Minnesota governor Tim Walz as her running mate, accusing Walz of mischaracterizing his service record as an Army National Guard member and criticizing him for retiring from service before his unit’s deployment to Iraq. The crowd at the rally was wildly enthusiastic, with many chanting “USA!” and waving American flags. Despite the focus on personal attacks, Trump’s message seemed to resonate with his supporters, who were eager to rally behind their candidate.
Trump’s speech was notable for the emphasis on security, as he spoke from behind a podium surrounded by panes of bulletproof glass, a measure aimed at keeping him safe following the attempted assassination but which may have inadvertently undermined his message of reassurance. Undeterred, Trump remained aggressive in his rhetoric, seeking to energize his supporters and undermine his opponents in the run-up to the election. His speech was a spectacle, complete with a wildly enthusiastic crowd and a showman’s flair for drama. It was a testament to Trump’s ability to connect with his base, but also left many wondering about the tone and content of his message.
