Trump Promises Visit to Site of Assassination Attempt; Obamas Support Harris A Friday Wall Street Journal poll showed Trump holding 49% support to Harris’s 47% support
Trump Announces Return to Assassination Attempt Site; Obamas Endorse Harris
Donald Trump’s Return to Butler, Pennsylvania
On Friday, former President Donald Trump announced that he will return to Butler, Pennsylvania, the site of a recent assassination attempt against him. Trump made this declaration on his Truth Social platform, promising a “big and beautiful rally,” though he did not specify the date or location of the event.
Harris Secures Endorsement from Obamas
Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris concluded her week-long campaign to become the Democratic presidential nominee with a significant boost from former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama. The endorsement comes after President Joe Biden selected Harris as his successor on Sunday, solidifying her position within the Democratic Party.
Recent polls indicate that Harris is closing the gap with Trump. A Wall Street Journal poll released Friday shows Trump leading with 49% support compared to Harris’s 47%, within a margin of error of three percentage points. Earlier this month, a similar poll had Trump leading Biden 48% to 42%.
In a phone call shared online, Barack Obama praised Harris and expressed full support for her campaign. He assured her of his and Michelle’s commitment to helping her win the election, saying, “Michelle and I couldn’t be prouder to endorse you and to do everything we can to get you through this election and into the Oval Office.” Harris responded with gratitude, acknowledging their enduring friendship and expressing enthusiasm for the campaign.
Despite the Obamas’ continued popularity, Harris’s national approval rating remains lower than Michelle Obama’s, who enjoys a 55% favorability rating among Americans and 94% among Democrats. The endorsement is expected to enhance support and fundraising for Harris’s campaign and suggests that Obama may actively support her on the campaign trail.
Trump and Netanyahu Meet; Harris Calls for Ceasefire
In other news, Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Florida resort on Friday, following Netanyahu’s meetings with President Biden and Vice President Harris in Washington. Trump described their relationship as “very good” and dismissed any suggestions of friction.
Conversely, Harris adopted a more assertive stance, urging Netanyahu to work towards a ceasefire in Gaza. In a televised statement, she declared, “It is time for this war to end,” and voiced concerns about the humanitarian impact on Palestinian civilians.
Trump criticized Harris’s remarks, calling them “disrespectful.” The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in significant casualties, with over 39,000 reported dead and much of the region destroyed. The crisis has displaced most of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents.
The Biden administration faces criticism from some Democrats for not pressuring Netanyahu to ensure the protection of Palestinian civilians. Trump has also advocated for a swift resolution to the conflict, suggesting that the negative publicity is harming Israel.
