Trump holds 25 rallies in October, then reverses weekend cancellation
The president pivoted from in-person events in Iowa and Kansas to tele-rallies, then returned to live appearances less than a day later.
By Justin Brooks ·
President Donald Trump held more than 25 campaign rallies in October, a schedule that included events in red states where Republican candidates face stiff challenges. The intensity of the final week of campaigning has tested both the president and his most dedicated supporters.
Trump’s message to voters in South Carolina and North Carolina focused on the durability of his political movement. Speaking in Greenville, N.C., he asked voters to imagine he was still on the ballot. "Please pretend I'm on the ballot cause in a way I am on the ballot," he said, citing tax cuts and border security as the issues at stake.
The rallies featured a mix of familiar themes and new material. Trump frequently discussed tariffs, which he called his favorite word, and shared a recurring anecdote about studying the body of Ohio Senator Jon Husted. He claimed the joke helped Husted’s polling, stating, "He went from being down to being up." This narrative traveled with him to Texas, where he applied similar humor to Senate candidate Ken Paxton.
Supporters have traveled extensively for the events. Blake Marnell, a San Diego resident known for his wall-themed suit, took the entire month of October off to attend rallies. "I'm just going from rally to rally," Marnell said. Others, like Cindy New from Emerald Isle, N.C., attended for the first time, noting that Trump cannot run for president again.
The schedule shifted abruptly in the final days before the election. The Republican National Committee announced on Thursday that Trump would cancel in-person rallies in Iowa and Kansas, replacing them with tele-rallies. Less than 24 hours later, the plan changed. A source familiar with the decision said the president would hold back-to-back in-person rallies in both states on Sunday.
The events continued through the weekend. In Daytona Beach, Fla., on Friday night, Trump acknowledged the physical toll of the campaign. "My voice is operating at about 49.2%," he told the crowd. He also reflected on the length of the campaign, noting that 28 days of consecutive events was demanding.
Trump concluded his final scheduled rally in Corpus Christi, Tex., by emphasizing the long-term bond with his base. "We've been doing this together for 11 years," he said, urging the crowd to win the election on November 3.
Source: WEPR
