Staff Reports
Donald Trump is overdue for a road trip, and it’s time for him to punch the gas and hit those rally circuits again. The former president knows how to rally the troops unlike anyone else, igniting passionate crowds in cities where the Democrats least expected to be challenged. Those energetic gatherings were the cornerstone of his successful 2016 campaign, proving that the key to winning hearts and minds isn’t just through social media memes or half-hearted virtual interviews—it’s through face-to-face connection with the voters.
The New York Post’s Daniel McCarthy raises an important point: if Trump harbors ambitions of returning to the Oval Office, he must prioritize the ground game and get back into the fray. August 2016 saw Trump hold a staggering 27 rallies, energizing his base and keeping the Democrats on the defensive. Fast forward to now, and his current schedule barely scratches the surface with just a handful of events while his opponents bask in the limelight of their national convention.
On the Road Again: Trump Needs to Fire Up the Rally Schedulehttps://t.co/wzP88aSkn1
— RedState (@RedState) August 13, 2024
Trump’s recent foray onto X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, to chat with Elon Musk generated some buzz. Still, it’s no substitute for face-to-face interaction with constituents. While the conversation was lively and certainly entertaining, relying solely on a glorified podcast won’t rally the loyalist spirit that got him elected in the first place. The grassroots magic happens in those arenas where supporters can see and hear their champion, not through the glow of a computer screen.
Right now, Trump can’t afford to let the momentum slip away. He’s playing catch-up as Democrats throw around their campaign tactics, trying to anchor Trump into reactive positions. Instead of responding to Harris's campaign’s antics, he should be dictating the terms of engagement. High-energy rallies in unexpected locations, like the South Bronx or even in Democrat-dominated territory, are pivotal, not just for energizing his base but also for compelling independents and undecided voters to take notice.
The race is tightening and is sure to become even more competitive as the election draws closer. To keep the upper hand, Trump and his allies, like JD Vance, need to hit the road hard—at least five rallies a week each would put the pressure back on the Democrats. Time is limited, and unless the former president channels that trademark energy and enthusiasm at in-person events, he risks letting the Democrats capitalize on any lead they think they might grasp with the recent changes in their lineup.
The landscape is shifting, and to seize victory, every moment should be treated like the last card on the table. It’s time for the Trump campaign to hit the ground and engage voters with their fierce and bold presence. It’s about fighting for every last vote, turning excitement into action, and ensuring that come election day. Supporters are ready to charge through whatever obstacles lie ahead.
