Trump cancels and restores two Midwest rallies in final push
The president reversed a decision to replace in-person stops in Iowa and Kansas with tele-rallies just one day after the change was announced.
By Dominic Foster ·
President Donald Trump will hold back-to-back rallies in Iowa and Kansas this Sunday. The Republican National Committee initially announced that these two weekend events would be canceled and replaced with tele-rallies on Thursday. Less than 24 hours later, the party reversed course. A source familiar with the scheduling change said the in-person rallies were restored. The source noted that Trump will also continue with nearly 20 tele-rallies. The source was not authorized to speak on the record.
The schedule shift caps a month of intense campaigning. Trump held more than 25 rallies in October. Most took place in red states where Republican candidates face tough races. The official goal is to boost Senate candidates in South Carolina and North Carolina. Those candidates were personally selected by the president. Darline Graham and Michael Whatley have struggled to generate excitement among Republican voters.
Trump has used these events to reinforce his message. He asked supporters to pretend he is on the ballot. He cited tax cuts and border security as reasons voters should support his nominees. He also repeated jokes about Ohio Senator Jon Husted. Trump claimed Husted gained 12 points after he made a comment about the senator’s physical appearance. He told audiences in Texas that he might use the same joke for Senate candidate Ken Paxton.
The president has also highlighted a $5,000 dividend for American adults if Republicans win both chambers of Congress. He joked that the money might only buy a hamburger at his Mar-a-Lago resort. He said the resort is not ideal for cost-conscious visitors.
Supporters have traveled to see him in person. Blake Marnell, a fan from San Diego, took October off work to attend multiple rallies. He said he prefers rallies to cruises. Cindy New of Emerald Isle, North Carolina, said she wanted to see the president live before he potentially steps away. She described her attendance as a one-time event.
Trump spoke of exhaustion during a rally in Daytona Beach, Florida. He said he had campaigned for 28 days in a row. He estimated his voice was operating at 49.2 percent capacity. He told the crowd he wanted to win on November 3.
The next major event is scheduled for Sunday. Trump will hold the two restored rallies in Iowa and Kansas. These stops will occur before the final days of voting.
