Donald Trump seems unable to keep Joe Biden off his mind, as demonstrated during a spirited rally on Tuesday evening.
In Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania, Trump departed from his usual taunts, launching into a much more intense critique of Biden.
A Crowd’s Reaction
Historically, Trump has referred to Biden with nicknames like “Sleepy Joe” or “Crooked Joe.” However, Tuesday’s rally in Pennsylvania brought a fresh turn. Addressing what he described as a 20,000-strong crowd, Trump introduced a new label while venting his thoughts, often switching topics to speak about immigration.
During his speech, which was meant to calm concerns about the rising cost of living, Trump veered toward his favored topics, frequently taking jabs at Biden. He engaged the crowd with his usual vigor, slipping into a colorful tirade when discussing his popularity in the region.
Trump remarked, “When I do my own polling, it’s like hosting an arena with 20,000 attendees where I ask: which do you prefer – Sleepy Joe or Crooked Joe? Typically, crooked Joe wins. But for me, he’s a sleepy son of a b—-.”
Comments on Ilhan Omar
Trump didn’t hold back on Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar, either. He made personal remarks about Omar, noting her Muslim faith, Somali origins, and attire. Additionally, he revived a long-dismissed rumor about her past and criticized her homeland.
As he gestured toward a chart onstage, he criticized it, comparing it unfavorably to another chart from a past event in Butler, Pennsylvania, which he credited for a life-saving moment against perceived threats.
He confessed to the crowd, “It’s wild because I haven’t made a speech in some time; usually, when you win, you think, now I can take a break.”
Trump credited his Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles, humorously dubbed “Susie Trump,” for prompting him back into rally-style appearances.
“Do you know Susie Trump, sometimes known as Susie Wiles? She’s great,” Trump quipped before moving on.
He explained, “Even the title chief of staff was reconsidered due to cultural sensitivities, yet now, people want it back. And that’s true; it was never really opposed,” praised Trump.
Blaming Biden Again
The rally took place against the backdrop of growing skepticism about Trump’s economic leadership, according to various surveys. Republican setbacks in recent elections gave the White House an opportunity to assert that economic stability is returning, separate from Biden’s policies.
However, Trump did not shy from accusing Biden of exacerbating inflation, despite trends suggesting otherwise since price adjustments in 2022. Trump claims his tariffs inadvertently impacted costs, a criticism echoed by economic analysts.
Yet Trump continued, declaring on Monday, “We’re reducing costs. You might call it ‘affordability’ or something else — nonetheless, the Democrats created this issue, and we’re solving it.”
Choosing His Own Words
Despite the rally’s focus on “affordability,” Trump frequently derisks the term as a “Democrat ruse.”
This gathering happened in the domain of Republican Rep. Rob Bresnahan, who narrowly secured his position in the 2024 race and stands as a prime target for Democratic opposition. Aspiring Democrat candidate, Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti aims to challenge Bresnahan.
During Trump’s speech, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee launched ads critiquing Bresnahan’s financial activities and slamming Trump for ignoring DC’s alleged corruption.
Before Trump’s entrance, Rep. Bresnahan assured supporters of cost-reduction efforts while emphasizing that constituents seek solutions, not partisan disputes.
Throughout the event, lasting an hour and 36 minutes, Trump admitted, “I’ve hardly stuck to the teleprompter,” jesting about his speechwriters’ accolades despite his improvisation.
