Donald Trump, 80, appeared visibly exhausted during a rambling 90-minute rally in Lubbock, Texas, on Tuesday night, sparking speculation that his campaign appearances may be coming to an end. The former president's voice was permanently hoarse, and he repeatedly complained about having to be on the campaign trail at all.
Speaking to a few thousand people in the West Texas city, Trump spent little time on plans to reduce the cost of living, despite the local farming economy being hit by skyrocketing diesel costs. Instead, he focused much of his speech on admiring certain men's bodies, making racist remarks about Democrat politicians, and attacking his rival in the upcoming election.
Rival Rally Draws Similar Crowd
A mile and a half down the road, a rival rally by Democrat Senate candidate James Talarico drew a similarly-sized and similarly energised crowd. Talarico is on average three points ahead of Trump-backed Republican Ken Paxton in Texas, a state that hasn't elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1993.
The running theme in conversations with voters in Lubbock this week was: "I voted for Trump, but I don't like what he's doing." A poll last week put inflation at the top of the list of issues facing Texans, followed by "political corruption" in second place.
Trump Defends Iran War and AI Data Centres
Trump defended his war in Iran, which has sent diesel prices through the roof, at length. "We brought inflation way down," he claimed, telling the crowd not to believe the evidence of their own eyes, ears and bank balances. "We have it way down now. When the war ends, it will come way down. It can be over whenever I want it to be over."
His lengthy defence of AI data centres, a passionately fought issue in these midterm elections, landed with a similar thud. However, his openly racist attacks on Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed were greeted much more enthusiastically by the crowd.
Racist Remarks and Surprise Appearance
Referring to El-Sayed, who is Muslim, as both "Mohammed" and "Ramadan", Trump said he would be the only Senator who would have to walk through a metal detector to enter the capitol building. "We can't have these people in the United States Senate," Trump said. "We have people who should not be running for politics in the United States of America. And we're never going to allow Sharia Law in this country."
Later, Marco Rubio made a surprise appearance, popping his head around the curtain, saying a few words and scurrying backstage again. His brief appearance provoked the loudest and most enthusiastic response from the crowd other than Trump spontaneously throwing up Texas Tech's fan hand gesture.
The most striking thing about Trump's appearance was that he looks knackered. He's running on fumes. Much as he is not expected to leave the White House voluntarily in 2029, he may not have it in him to do this again in two years' time, suggesting we may well be witnessing Trump's farewell tour.
