GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.—Former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), held their first joint campaign rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on July 20, promising to bolster automobile manufacturing and other industries that are important in the battleground state.
The Trump–Vance rally debut occurred two days after the Republican Party formally designated the pair as nominees for president and vice president.
The Grand Rapids rally also was held a week after the former president survived an assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania campaign event.
Former President Trump began his remarks at the Michigan rally by extending “a very special thanks to Americans nationwide,“ including the Michigan rally attendees, for their ”extraordinary outpouring of love and support.”
A small, skin-toned bandage was barely noticeable on his wounded right ear; he had previously worn a large white bandage.
The former president paid tribute to Corey Comperatore, 50, a Pennsylvania rally spectator who died while shielding his wife and daughter from gunfire. Two other attendees were wounded before the Secret Service killed the rooftop gunman.
In introducing the former president, Mr. Vance said, “Even though he was a real estate developer in New York, he knew instinctively what this country needed and how to put the interests of the citizens of this country first.”
During his four-year presidency from 2017 to 2021, “he undid ... 30 years of damage, of terrible leadership,” Mr. Vance said.
At one point during the rally, former President Trump poked fun at his own “severe comb-over” hairstyle.
At another, he pointed out an ironic twist to the Pennsylvania shooting. Just before a bullet “came whizzing by,” he had turned his head to look at an immigration chart on a video screen, thus dodging a direct hit from the bullet.
“So,” he said, spreading his arms wide, “I owe immigration my life.” The crowd applauded.
The former president noted that President Biden has been facing increasing calls for him to exit the race. Concerns about the 81-year-old incumbent’s abilities have escalated since he faltered during a June 27 debate with the former president. But President Biden has insisted he had a bad night and that he remains fit for duty.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is sometimes mentioned as a possible replacement candidate for President Biden. “I’d like to run against her,” the former president said.
Michigan auto workers’ jobs have been displaced to Mexico, where labor is cheaper. The former president said he would impose tariffs and other policies to discourage companies from building manufacturing plants in Mexico and taking away American jobs.
“And you know, who owns those plants? China,” he said.
Ahead of the rally, lines of supporters snaked along at least a half-dozen blocks leading to the arena, which has a capacity of 12,000. By the time former President Trump took the stage, the arena appeared to be filled, except for two rows at the very top of one section.
The crowd seemed more “energized” than usual, said Matthew Luna, 22, of North Carolina, a T-shirt vendor who also was at the Pennsylvania event.
Before the shooting, rally-goers seemed motivated “just to have fun.” But now, he said, “they’re a lot more determined to get him back in office.” Supporters seem unafraid of another attack, he said, adding: “If they were afraid, no one would be here.”
As columns of police on horseback and bicycles patrolled the area, large bursts of applause greeted them, more than at other Trump events.
Danielle B., a 21-year-old Ohio woman, said the shooting of former President Trump increased her appreciation for police.
“The events of last week make you really intentional about thanking law enforcement,” she said, asking her last name not be used to protect her job. “You’re like, ‘U.S.A., baby!’”
Supporters said they believe that a higher power is also safeguarding the 45th president.
A man carrying a Trump flag ran alongside the waiting crowd, yelling that God saved Trump—and Trump would save America. The waiting throngs cheered.
Three hours before former President Trump was scheduled to take the stage, a chant of “Fight! Fight! Fight!” started in the VIP seating area right in front of the stage. That chant recurred throughout the rally; it’s a recitation of what the former president said as he rose back to his feet immediately after being shot, pumping a fist in the air.
Several “Front Row Joes,” who have attended dozens of Trump rallies and sit in the front row, were present when the shots rang out in Pennsylvania.
A week later, they traveled to the Michigan rally, undaunted. One of them, Mike Boatman of Indiana, told The Epoch Times, “I’m just trying to block out what happened and enjoy the experience of hearing the former president speak again.”
