Wed Sep 18 03:09:38 UTC 2024: ## Trump Claims Only Consequential Presidents Get Shot At, Harris Condemns His Rhetoric
Donald Trump resumed his campaign on Tuesday, just days after a second apparent attempt on his life, claiming that only consequential presidents get shot at. He spoke at a town hall in Flint, Michigan, a city once known for its automotive industry but now struggling due to foreign competition. Trump linked the foiled assassination attempt, which the FBI categorized as a failed assassination bid, to his promise to impose heavy tariffs on car imports from Mexico and China.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris, campaigning in Pennsylvania, confirmed she had spoken with Trump after the attack, emphasizing that there is no place for political violence. She described their conversation as “cordial and brief,” echoing Trump’s characterization of Harris’s demeanor as “nice.”
While Trump blamed the would-be shooter’s alleged actions on the rhetoric of President Biden and Harris, the former president also used his town hall to depict himself as a savior of the US auto industry, claiming that if he were not in power, the industry would collapse.
Harris, in a separate interview, condemned Trump’s recent spread of false narratives about Haitian immigrants in Ohio. These baseless claims led to bomb threats against the community, forcing the closure of local schools. Harris called Trump’s rhetoric “hateful” and questioned his fitness for the presidency.
The dueling campaign appearances in Michigan and Pennsylvania highlight the importance of these swing states in the upcoming election. A new poll shows Harris with a slight lead over Trump in Pennsylvania, driven largely by support from women voters. The race remains tight, however, with a significant gender gap evident in the Pennsylvania electorate.
First Piper 