President Donald Trump has held a series of campaign rallies in traditionally Republican states, but his eccentric performances have drawn more attention than the candidates he supports. Over the past week, Trump appeared in Montana, Tennessee, Alaska, and other states, making unusual remarks about animals, body parts, and fellow politicians.
Syracuse, New York: Confusing Introductions and Nobel Grievances
At a rally in Syracuse, Trump introduced Bruce Blakeman, the Republican candidate for New York governor, with contradictory statements: "I've just known him just for a second. I've known him for a long time, years." He also claimed that in New York, people can no longer say "mother," but must say "gestating," which is not true.
Trump spent 15 minutes complaining about not winning the Nobel Peace Prize, despite claiming to have "settled eight wars." He recounted calling leaders of Pakistan and India, threatening tariffs if they did not stop fighting. India has denied any ceasefire was due to Trump's intervention.
Clarksville, Tennessee: A Strange Method of Address
In Clarksville, Trump told the audience, "When you stand up here, it's just like… the love. I could say the stupidest things and you clap." He then added, "But we don't say the stupidest things. We say things of common sense."
Youngstown, Ohio: Examining a Senator's Body
In Ohio, Trump discussed Jon Husted, the Republican senator running for re-election, saying he had recently learned Husted played football at university. Trump remarked, "I started examining [Husted's] body… I looked at his ass and I looked at the whole – and then I looked at his hands." He also insulted immigrants from Somalia, claiming they "come from a part of the world that only knows how to kill each other" and are "low IQ."
Wasilla, Alaska: Pardons and Insults
Trump campaigned in Wasilla for Dan Sullivan, the Republican senator, facing a tight race against Democrat Mary Peltola, whom he called "a whack job." During his speech, he granted pardons to two auto shop owners who had pleaded guilty to violating the Clean Air Act, using a crude analogy about cleanliness.
Bullhead City, Arizona: Health Concerns and Insults
In Bullhead City, Trump praised Alex Kolodin, a Republican candidate for secretary of state, saying, "You look good. Central casting, actually. You want a secretary of state to look exactly like that, a little bit nerdy." He also made comments about his personal doctors, saying they would leave audience members who fell ill as "collateral damage."
Kalispell, Montana: Desperate Plea on Guns
In Montana, Trump warned that Democrats would ban guns, a claim not supported by the party's platform. He referenced wild animals, saying, "You know who would love that to happen? Some of the wild animals you have up here that like – that like eating you." He also claimed that animals would "gain a lot of weight" if law-abiding Americans were defenseless.
With two weeks until the midterm elections, more rallies are expected, and Trump's unconventional behavior continues to be a focal point.
