Trump Holds First Post-Attempt Rally as Biden Faces Pressure to Step Aside

AFP/APP

United States: Donald Trump is set to deliver his first campaign rally since surviving an assassination attempt, marking a dramatic turn in his campaign as he prepares to address thousands of supporters in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
This comes as President Joe Biden remains in isolation with Covid-19, amid mounting Democratic pressure for him to step aside from the 2024 presidential race.
The rally, scheduled for Saturday evening at the Van Andel Arena, will see Trump returning to the political stage just one week after a 20-year-old gunman attempted to kill him from a Pennsylvania rooftop.
Ahead of the event, Trump’s running mate, J D Vance, energized the crowd with sharp critiques of Vice President Kamala Harris, contrasting his own accomplishments with her record.
In contrast, Biden, 81, continues to face scrutiny over his age and health, with some Democrats advocating for a potential replacement.
Although Biden and his team have firmly declared his intention to remain in the race, speculation is rife about possible alternatives.
Vice President Harris, seen as the most likely successor, received a boost from Senator Elizabeth Warren, who expressed confidence in Harris’s ability to lead if needed.
Despite the speculation, some Democrats worry that a last-minute change could lead to chaos and jeopardize the party’s chances in the upcoming election.
Team Trump is riding high following a series of fortuitous events, including the failed assassination attempt, favorable court rulings, and a contentious debate performance by Biden. The rally is expected to be a high-energy event, with Trump likely to attack the Biden administration on various fronts, including immigration, inflation, and foreign policy.
As Trump returns to the campaign trail, security will be a major focus, especially in light of recent concerns about Secret Service lapses. The 12,000-capacity Van Andel Arena is anticipated to be packed, with heightened security measures in place.
Trump’s appearance will also mark the debut of Vance, a US senator from Ohio, as his running mate, potentially bolstering support in critical swing states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.