The Harris-Walz campaign reportedly had to adjust its plans for a rally in Grand Rapids on Friday. Initially scheduled at the Van Andel Arena, which holds 12,000 people, the event was moved to Riverside Park, a public space where the turnout appeared to be significantly smaller than expected.
The Harris-Walz campaign originally planned a rally today at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan with a capacity 12,000.
Due to lack of interest, the venue was changed to a small public park where dozens of people have been bussed in.
The coconut palms have withered. pic.twitter.com/zQEYHVHSBB
— Bad Hombre (@joma_gc) October 18, 2024
The change in venue comes as the race intensifies in Michigan, a crucial battleground state. The Harris-Walz team has not provided a reason for the switch, but the move follows a high-profile event by former President Donald Trump and his running mate, J.D. Vance, at Van Andel Arena on July 20. That rally was the campaign’s first since the July 13 assassination attempt.
🚨 Tonight, President Trump and VP nominee @JDVance1 will hold their first rally together – and the first since the heinous assass*ination attempt – in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
THOUSANDS are already in line.
The passion & energy are fiercer than ever.
Incredible 🔥
📸:… pic.twitter.com/Cotn23kCyQ
— Monica Crowley (@MonicaCrowley) July 20, 2024
🇺🇸 The Trump rally here in Grand Rapids is literally FULL!
I LOVE to see this!
MICHIGAN IS TRUMP COUNTRY! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/c5AmnRzRJR
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) July 20, 2024
Addressing supporters in Riverside Park, Vice President Kamala Harris sought to turn the spotlight on her opponent. “Trump is ducking debates and canceling interviews,” she said, claiming to reference recent comments from Trump’s team about his “exhaustion.” She added, “But if you are exhausted on the campaign trail, it raises real questions about whether you are fit for the toughest job in the world.”
Harris’ appearance in Grand Rapids was the first of several stops in Michigan today, with events planned in Lansing and Oakland County later in the day. Meanwhile, Trump is also campaigning in Michigan, with his schedule including stops in Auburn Hills and Detroit.
Recent polling data indicates a tightening race across key battleground states, with Trump making significant gains compared to his standing at this time in 2020. In Michigan, Trump is now ahead by 8.1 points compared to where he was four years ago. If the current polls once again underestimate Trump’s support, the results could be disastrous for Democrats.
🚨 BREAKING: Trump has made MASSIVE gains across the battleground states and national polling from this day in 2020.
If these polls underestimate Trump again, things are going to be even worse for the Democrats than expected.
His largest gain is Michigan – at 8.1 points. pic.twitter.com/yGPXeI1bJq
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) October 18, 2024
This article originally appeared on American Liberty News. It is republished with permission.
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